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Morales, 33, batted .263 with 30 homers and 93 RBIs for the
Kansas City Royals. It was the second 30-homer season of his
career.
Toronto targeted the switch-hitting Cuban after negotiations
with free agent Encarnacion began to break down.
Encarnacion is reportedly seeking a five-year, $125 million deal
after matching his career high of 42 homers and setting a career
best with 127 RBIs.
Morales has hit 162 career homers in a career that began in
2006. He has played for the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle
Mariners, Minnesota Twins and the Royals.
Also on Friday, the Blue Jays signed Cuban infielder Lourdes
Gurriel Jr. to a seven-year, $22 million deal, according to
reports.
The 23-year-old Gurriel defected from Cuba along with his older
brother during the Caribbean Series in the Dominican Republic in
February.
His brother, 32-year-old Yulieski Gurriel, signed a five-year,
$48 million deal with the Houston Astros in July, and hit .262
with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 36 games this season.
Lourdes Gurriel was declared a free agent in August.
(Editing by Larry Fine)
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