Angels Trade Morales to Mariners for Pitcher Jason Vargas
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Major League Baseball(SEATTLE) — The Los Angeles Angels traded first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners for left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas Wednesday.
After missing a season and a half after breaking his left leg following a walk-off grand slam, Morales returned to the diamond in 2012 hitting .273 with 22 homers and 77 RBIs.
“We have been focused on adding offense this off-season, and feel that Kendrys will be a middle-of-the-order bat for us,” Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “He’s a switch-hitter with power who has played, and hit, in the AL West. He’s familiar with the teams and parks and is a proven run-producer. We hate to part with Jason, and really appreciate everything he’s done for us, but we are in a situation where we had to give up talent to acquire talent.”
As for the Angels, the acquisition of the 29-year-old Vargas shores up a starting rotation that has lost Zach Greinke, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.
Vargas had a solid 2012 compiling a 14-11 record with 3.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP.
Both Morales and Vargas are in their final year of arbitration. Morales is projected to make $4.8 million while Vargas is projected to make $7.4 million.
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