Twins sign Kendrys Morales to a one-year contract

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have signed free agent first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales to a one-year, pro-rated, $12 million contract.

Morales, 30, played 156 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, hitting .277 (167-for-602) with 34 doubles, 23 home runs, 80 RBI, 64 runs scored and 49 walks, including 122 games as their designated hitter.

The Fomento, Cuba native has played in 620 career games, hitting .280 (622-for-2222) with 130 doubles, 102 home runs, 345 RBI, 280 runs scored and 165 walks. He was originally signed by the Los Angeles Angles as an amateur free agent in 2005 and was fifth in the 2009 American League MVP voting. Morales will wear uniform number 17.

To make room for Morales on the 25-man roster, the Twins have designated outfielder Jason Kubel for release or assignment. Kubel appeared in 45 games for the Twins this season, hitting .224 (35-for-156) with one home run, six doubles and 13 RBI. Over parts of eight seasons with the Twins, Kubel appeared in 798 career games.