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Luis Morales
Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Morales was billed as the consensus top pitching prospect of the 2023 international signing period when he signed for $3 million with the A’s in January that year. After setting a U-18 record for strikeouts with 161 across 82 2/3 innings between 2019-20 in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, he defected in 2021 to Mexico, where he trained with Maels Rodríguez, a former Cuban National team pitcher and Olympian who regularly threw 100 mph fastballs. Initially expected to pitch solely in the Dominican Summer League for his introduction to pro ball, his excellent performance earned him stops at four different levels. He finished the year at High-A Lansing, combining for a 2.86 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 44 innings.
Morales’ whip-like delivery produces an electric fastball that sits around 94-97 mph and can reach up to 99. His four-pitch mix also includes a slider, a changeup and a curveball, all of which appeared to be quality secondary pitches as he rapidly ascended through the Minors in his debut season.
Adding about 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame in preparation for his first full season as a pro, Morales will see his durability tested as he looks to navigate the rigors of pitching. While his command was solid upon joining the A’s, he has struggled with controlling his pitches in the past. If he can keep that control steady, he has a chance to make another significant jump through the system in 2024, with enough potential to evolve into a frontline starter in the future. - mlb pipeline
Hope this works for ya. I took some of the shine and shadows out from the lighting.
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