Kendrys Morales is returning to Seattle.
The Mariners acquired the first baseman/designated hitter from the Minnesota Twins on Thursday in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Stephen Pryor, the team announced Thursday.
The Mariners hope Morales can provide a much-needed boost to their offense as he led Seattle in batting average (.272), hits (167), doubles (34) and RBIs (80) last season.
After turning down a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Mariners, though, Morales sat out the first two months of the season before finally signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Twins in June. Morales struggled mightily in Minnesota, hitting .234 with one home run and 18 RBIs in 39 games.
Morales is expected to join the Mariners on Friday.
