Kendrys Morales reflects on career and brief Yankees tenure
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Kendrys Morales, born June 20, 1983, had a notable but brief stint with the New York Yankees in 2019, playing just 19 games. His journey from defection in Cuba to a successful MLB career spans 13 years, including significant periods with the Anaheim Angels and Seattle Mariners. Morales rose to prominence as a promising switch-hitter and faced challenges including injury setbacks, a severe ankle break in 2010. His story highlights the hardships many Cuban players endure to reach the major leagues, emphasizing his determination to succeed despite numerous obstacles.
- •Morales played 19 games for the Yankees in 2019.
- •He defected from Cuba and signed with MLB in 2006.
- •Morales hit 213 career home runs in his MLB tenure.
- •He suffered a severe ankle injury in 2010 that cost him a season.
- •Morales' story is emblematic of Cuban players' struggles to reach MLB.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Yankees Birthday of the Day: Kendrys Morales
"The veteran slugger spent just 19 games in pinstripes, but his journey from Cuba to a 13-year major league career is one of baseball's more remarkable stories.
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