3:20pm: The Yankees have announced the signing.
11:16am: ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweets that Morrison’s deal comes with a July 1 opt-out and a $1MM base salary at the MLB level (though that salary would presumably be pro-rated).
11:06am: The Yankees have agreed to a minor league contract with first baseman/designated hitter Logan Morrison, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com (Twitter links). He’ll head to extended Spring Training for the time being. Roster Roundup first tweeted the two sides were talking. Morrison is represented by ISE Baseball.
Morrison, 31, belted 38 home runs with the Rays in 2017 but struggled through an injury-ruined 2018 campaign with the Twins that was ultimately truncated by surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. That operation, performed last August, came with a roughly eight-month timetable for recovery; this contract falls right in line with the end of that rehab period. Once he’s up to speed and in game shape, Morrison will head to the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate in Scranton.
New York recently lost first baseman Greg Bird for at least a month due to a case of plantar fasciitis, although given Morrison’s own health status, it’s unlikely that he’d be able to step up as an option to help in the short-term anyhow. That said, the Yankees’ roster has generally been decimated by injuries, and having Morrison on hand as a risk-free depth option at the Triple-A level to perhaps aid the lineup starting in mid-May or early June certainly won’t hurt.
Last year with the Twins, “LoMo” hit .186/.276/.368 with 15 home runs and 13 doubles through 359 plate appearances, although the hip issue that ultimately ended his season quite likely hindered him at the plate before he underwent surgery. His 2017 season was nothing shy of excellent, as he turned in a .246/.353/.516 slash with 38 homers, 22 doubles and a triple in 601 trips to the plate.
Good signing I like it.
Dustin Ackley would have been a better signing 1) he can also play any OF spot also 2B and has a .991 fielding % and hewas a spring training where he had an OBP of .526. Also has a higher career avg.
Welcome aboard LOMO
If he makes the big club, maybe he’ll live in LoHud ? = )
This is better than any move they’ve made from the offseason till now.
LoMo? Oh no!!!
Wonder how Gary Sanchez feels
I was thinking the same thing.
@Popcorn
Awesome Username!
Agree. Mattingly bogarting that popcorn is one of my favorite moments
He feels fine. Dismissed the notion that there’s any kind of issue right away.
Isn’t he the guy who said she should have been in the home run derby instead of Sanchez?
Yup. I don’t wanna see him on the major league roster
He is the same guy that said that as well the one that said last year that you can’t fix stupid when speaking about Yankee fans.
He’s not wrong tho, is he…
Is that our 2nd MO??
LOMO
HALL OF FAMER MO, OH YEAH,
CANO, DON’T YA KNOW
Love the move
So does this mean Andujar isn’t gonna play first now?
Stop that nonsense.
Just another dumpster diving move for the Yankees! I’ve been a fan for 45 years, but since George Sr died, it’s been painful! Ridiculous signing for another IL player that will get a blister on his pinky toe a sit out the rest of the year.
What we’re calling “dumpster diving” are the depth moves every team makes. Ever wonder why the Dodgers and Ray, to name just two teams, have such deep rosters? It’s because they work the trade market and waiver wire so aggressively.
This Yankee team is far better positioned for the long run than any other in recent memory.
WHAT
Where are they positioned in the future? I think all the top level material they have hyped up has tanked when they get them to the show. Frazier, headcase, literally! Bird, MVP for the first to hit the IL every year! Austin, what a joke! Then you have the ones like German who do well until they are exposed the second time around. The only talent they have is Florial coming up, please for heavens sake don’t sign an extension, he will never be heard from again! IL for eternity! Please fill me in on something you may see that the rest of baseball hasn’t.
Baseballfreak, that is an absolutely asinine, uninformed statement.
Not as anime or misinformed, simple logic. They had a chance to sign decent talent this year and last year so first base, short stop, catcher and the outfield wouldn’t look like a list of MIA from Vietnam. Geez, they had a chance to sign consistent starting pitchers but chose to trade depth for headcases! Now after signing Troy f’n Tulowitzki they are going to sign Logan Morrison? Are they trying to break the record for the most players listed on the IL in history for one season?
You really needs to give this “George Sr was the best” stuff the rest. From the time he bought the team in 1973 to he was suspended in 1990 the Yanks ,made 4 post-season appearance and won 2 WS titles. Since he’s handed over the decision making to the front office they’ve made 20 playoff appearances (13 AL East titles and 7Wildcard) and won 5 WS. And things have been a lot more consistent in terms of GM/managers who’ve have combined the endless spending on free agents with developing and retaining their own star players from Jeter, Bernie, Petite, Cano, Soriano, Posada and Mo to Judge, Severino, Torres, Sanchez, Betances and Andujar,.
You call them cheap but they’ve issued or acquired the highest contracts in history with Arod and Stanton. They’ve made mistakes and probably should’ve won more than they have but I would take the last 25 years rather than the dreadful droughts of the 80’s and early 90s.
You are literally the old man screaming “get off my lawn” but living in a project building with no grass. You are blind to what’s in front of you dude.
Well said!!
Yankees are cheap! They are only paying 27% of their revenue back into the product on the field. Compare that to the league average of 45%! Quit over paying executives and put it back on the field. Geez dude! All the good decisions that paid off in the late 90’s early 2000’s was draft and trades made by another gm! Sure they made history by signing A-roid to his contract, but got one ring. Thanks to Jeter and C.C., not A-roid. They’ve choked more than they’ve made the right moves, especially since ‘09! Simple facts.
Baseballfreak, some corrections to your summations…
The Yankees are paying 28.9% of their 668 million revenue on payroll.
The league average of teams using 46.57% of their revenue on payroll.
That’s information used in a way that says nothing. The Yankees made millions more than every other team so the total number of dollars spent is still significantly more than most other franchises. Team A night might only have $232 mil in revenue and a $96 mil payroll. The Yanks might have a $500 mil revenue and spend $196 in payroll. Team A is spending over 50% of their revenue on payroll while the Yanks are “only” spending about 35% of revenue. Yankees are still spending over $100 mil more than the other team. Furthermore, in the past the Yankees payroll ballooned because they maintained they’re level of new player acquisition AND had to start spending market, and in some cases above market money to retain Jeter, Mo, Bernie, Petite and Posada. The Yankees are about to do the same as they look to retain acquired players they traded for who were still under 6 years of control (Hicks, Didi and perhaps Paxton) and their own developed players (Betances, Severino, Judge, Sanchez, Green, Torres, Andujar, etc.). They will likely be spending a higher % of salary as they extend those players. And because the farm has been thinned out via graduating players or trades for vets they may have to replace Sabathia, Tanaka, Chapman thru free agency too. I think you have to look at what a team is doing over a 6 to 7 year span rather than year to year. Some teams are going thru rebuilds and have slashed their payroll (Orioles, Giants, Pirates) while others might be in various phases of assention with young players and vets and might be in the middle to upper levels of spending (Yankees, Nats, Phillies) while other are already at the top and are basically looking to maintain their levels of success (Dodgers, Red Sox, etc) without adding too much payroll. Just an example I didn’t look up the numbers of those teams mentioned but i don’t think I’m off.
You failed to mention the Yankees made 3 World Series appearances in that time period. Torres was acquired via trade. No way are Sanchez, Betances, Andujar stars. You seem to be the guy who literally is always screaming traitor when someone questions Cashman and Hals spending.
So. They 2 of 3 WS as opposed to 5 of 7. And you know damn well that Andujar had a star like 1st season and both Betances (2) and Sanchez (3) have had multiple all-star appearances MOSTLY based off of star level performance. Betances has been one of the top relief pitchers in the last 5 seasons ranking 2nd in total WAR as a reliever.
First of all Gary Sanchez had one All Star game appearance 2017. Second off All Star appearance doesn’t necessarily equal star. I may be swayed a little on Betances being a middling Star, but in no way is Andujar close. Sanchez for one is no star based off lack of consistency, poor defense, poor attitude, and poor work ethic.
First, my apologies. Not sure where i saw 3 but yes. 1 all-star appearance. I know that an all-star appearance doesn’t make you a star which is why i said all-star like performance. Sanchez needs more time to prove himself but attitude and how much you hustle doesn’t factor into whether you’re a star or not either. Bottom line is, he had a great showing in his debut hitting 20 hrs and a 1.032 OPS in 53 games. Then in his first full season he hit 33 hrs and a .876 and was 2nd in WAR. Last year was horrible. But calling him a star is not out of there’r question. As for Betances, you can argue with yourself. Non- closers may not get the accolades but few pitchers have been as good as Bets has since 2014. 2.22 ERA, 2.26 FIP, 14 K/9 and the ONLY relief pitcher to have 5 consecutive years with at least 100 ks in a session.
Obviously Andujar has only played 1 srason but if your honest then a .297./.333/.527 line with 27 hrs abd 47 doubles IS absolutely all-star caliber.
Why would I argue with myself when I can argue with someone else. If you think it doesn’t take hard work to reach the level of stardom well I feel sorry for your standards. There’s a handful of stars in MLB and Andujar, Betances, and Sanchez aren’t among them. Judge..Yes, Betts..Yes, and of course Trout, are examples.
Yankees need to fire their trainer
For what? Arm related injuries (Severino and Betances), chronic back injuries (Hicks) and game related injuries like Andujar?
A trainer can only do so much. And I’m sure we’ve had the same trainer for the last few years and didn’t have these types of problems.
now that’s really desperate.
XD
‘truncated’? really?
What, did you have to Google it?
Lol
Give Ford a Shot!!!!
He’s a minor leaguer that was 0-3 last night. I was at the game, he didn’t look good
There’s a Squeaky Fromme joke in there somewhere but I will take the high road
Bird really needs to live in protective bubble. He literally starts off on the wrong foot.
As for now I think all the help they need is welcome!
Biggest factor in US rise in health-care costs? Trying to keep Bird healthy.
They have Voit, Bird and Ford… why do they want Morrison?
Remember when the Yankees were considered to have these super duper advanced metrics? That’s how they stole Voit away from the Cards. They saw something no one else did… Well, that’s the story they told us. We knew it was just “small sample size” all along.
Because they need players.
Bird is on the IL.
You might wanna grab a glove, because the job is open.
Because Ford is a minor leaguer, Bird is never healthy, and the jury is still out on Voit. So LoMo for depth is a good signing. Low risk
Bird won’t be back anytime soon and they have like no left handed hitters, that’s why.
Small sample sizes work both ways. Just as Voit is getting off to a slow start so are other much better hitters fairing as bad or worst. We all know Mookie Betts is better than his .676 OPS. Voit’s .780 OPS isn’t great when you break it down but it’s far from horrible.
Bird looks to be out for a month and the Yanks called up Ford leaving them with not much at AAA and Morrison could become a need.
Needed a 1b since 2015 now scrapping the bottom of the barrel. Yankees = Cheapos. May many 1b options where out there past off season. Ohh well more bs to tell us.
Adam Lind wasn’t available?
Morrison meets 4 of the 5 preferred traits the Yankees look for in new players
1. strikes out way more than he should
2. hits for low average
3. Is always injured
4. On the cheap, damaged goods
5. Played for Rockies (we know everyone can’t play for the Rockies, but we can try!)
free lottery ticket. And he was sitting at home, so what’s the downside for him.
This guy can get a MLB deal but Kaepernick still hasn’t been signed? I call BS!
Morrison got a Minor League deal.
You can post on the internet. Society calls BS!
1+1 = 3
Kaepernick went 1-14 then declined his player option. He’s terrible. He’s an outspoken back up QB. Right or wrong, nobody needs the controversial distraction with a back up QB. That is why he is out of a job.
No one else noticed the epic stooge picture MLBTR used for LoMo?? Awesome
Meh it’s a non impact move for a vet. Not stressing it
He’s a helluva guy, really enjoyed him in Seattle.
Why should Kaepernick sign? Nike paid him millions just to sit around and cry about being a victim. If I was getting paid millions to whine, I wouldn’t never play again either. Just saying. Much easier convincing people you’re a victim than actually having to put in work.
Could hit 20 homers in 60 games because of how short right field is at Yankee stadium. Not a bad depth option.
95% of these signs never amount to anything.
If his hip is ok, then he will be the answer at first base. They should trade Bird once he’s healthy – maybe get a SP. Morrison has real good power and his swing is tailor made for Yankee Stadium. DH Voit and my guess is that Hicks will be hurting at times due to his back, and Gardy might fade later in the season, so you have Stanton,Judge and Red Thunder in the OF, with Gardy and Hicks on the bench.
The Mike Ford experience is nearly over?
I remember when “excellent” and 246. batting average could not be used in the same sentence.
.246 is excellent when you are a .239 lifetime hitter. Or something.
Yes, Morrison is a career .239 hitter. Sure he has power, but other than that, there’s really not much else he is good at offensively.
This is NOT a bottom of the barrel signing….This is moving the barrel to see what you can find under it…..
LoMo’s the kind of guy who only starts on second-division, non-competitive teams…..maybe the Spanks are making a statement….
Yanks should trade for B. Belt, both teams win and Belt finally gets a fair shot at HR.
yawn…he’s not very good and hopefully never sees the bronx in pinstripes. he’s just another .200 hitter who will hit the occasional. Yanks seem to have enough of them already….
“My arm hurts right here”
I would like to see what happens in the Yankees weight room when it’s Sanchez’s turn to spot LoMo on the bench press.
“Injury-ruined season”. His ‘18 season was ruined by his poor play long before any injury could be to blame.