Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 55

The right-hander is one of the most interesting and dynamic prospects in the class. His arm is electric, and it continues to dazzle scouts.

Back in Cuba, he was the best U-18 pitcher on the island, setting a record for strikeouts (161) in 82 2/3 innings between 2019 and 2020. He made his debut with Cuba’s Serie Nacional with Sancti Spiritus in 2021 and defected later in the year while playing for the Cuban U-23 team in Mexico.

He projects to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher as his fastball sits between 94-97, and he has emerging secondary pitches, including a slider, changeup and curveball. While in Mexico, Morales trained with Maels Rodríguez, a former Cuban National team pitcher and Olympian who is best known for his 100 mph fastball, to help hone his primary pitch. Morales has added about 10 pounds of muscle mass in recent months to quell any concerns about his overall strength. He is represented by Magnus Sports. The Athletics are among the teams who have shown strong interest in 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.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

Considered the top pitching prospect of the 2023 international signing period, Morales signed for $3 million with the A’s in January of 2023. After setting a U-18 record for strikeouts with 161 across 82 2/3 innings between 2019 and 2020 in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, he defected from Cuba in 2021 to Mexico, where he trained with Maels Rodríguez, a former Cuban National team pitcher and Olympian who regularly threw 100 mph fastballs.

Morales boasts an electric arm with a fastball that has clocked as high as 99 mph in the past and sits 94-97. He also utilizes a slider, changeup and curveball as secondary pitches that are still developing, and the A’s will look to get to work on helping him refine those offerings as he enters the system.

Morales has worked hard on preparing his body by adding about 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame, which should help his durability. Command is going to be key to his success, as he’s struggled with controlling his pitches in the past. If he can improve that aspect of his game, he should be able to move through the organization rather quickly and could be a frontline starter in the future if he can fulfill his potential.

Awards

Futures Game Selection

Year	Team
2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/14/2024	American League Futures activated RHP Luis Morales.
	07/12/2024	American League Futures activated RHP Luis Morales.
	04/30/2024	Lansing Lugnuts activated RHP Luis Morales from the 7-day injured list.
	08/30/2023	RHP Luis Morales assigned to Lansing Lugnuts from Stockton Ports.
	07/24/2023	RHP Luis Morales assigned to Stockton Ports from ACL Athletics.
	07/02/2023	RHP Luis Morales assigned to ACL Athletics from DSL Athletics.
	02/03/2023	RHP Luis Morales assigned to DSL Athletics.
	01/15/2023	Oakland Athletics signed free agent RHP Luis Morales to a minor league contract.