Kendrys Morales' fantasy value is at an all-time high with move to Toronto
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Here are the fantasy repercussions following the news that DH Kendrys Morales has inked a three-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays:
Sources: Kendrys Morales to #BlueJays, three years, $33M, pending physical. First reported: @DfineNrmLC.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 11, 2016
Morales is expected to be the primary DH for the Blue Jays, but he may have eligibility at 1B as well as OF for the coming season. He was eligible at both positions last season on most fantasy sites, and it could remain the same considering he played seven games at 1B and five in the outfield in 2016.
As the likely replacement for Edwin Encarnacion, it's safe to say Morales has big shoes to fill. The switch-hitter batted .263 with 30 home runs, 24 doubles and 93 RBIs a season ago while playing in the spacious Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The year prior he sacrificed some home run power for a higher average and more doubles, but it remains to be seen which approach he will take into 2017.
Morales will be 34 in June, but a move north of the border could significantly help his fantasy value. Toronto's home ballpark, Rogers Centre, is a true bandbox. In addition to Rogers Centre, the American League East is full of hitter-friendly ballparks such as Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Morales' career has been spent exclusively in the AL, but between the Angels, Mariners, Twins and Royals, none of them play in hitter-friendly ballparks. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see Morales surpass his previous career high of 34 home runs in his first season with the Blue Jays.
In addition to the long ball, Morales could also eclipse his career high of 108 RBIs. He has a career slash line of .294/.366/.515 with runners in scoring position. With Josh Donaldson likely to be batting right in front of him, he should see more RBI chances than he ever has in the past.
Due to the depth of both 1B and OF in fantasy, Morales can likely be had in the later rounds of the draft. His age my cause many to overlook him, but he could very well be the steal of your draft.