February 21, 2026

Morales thrived in his first taste of big league action, pitching to a 3.14 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 48.2 innings last season. The 23-year-old boasts a deep arsenal of secondary pitches, including a nasty high-spin 82 mph sweeper and a harder, sharper 85 mph slider. Morales only had a 21.6% K rate in the majors last season, but he had a 38% whiff rate on both the slider and sweeper. He also put up strong strikeout numbers in the minors, suggesting there may be potential for more. He's a hard-thrower, averaging 97.3 mph with his four-seamer. Unfortunately, despite strong velocity the four-seamer lacks exceptional movement and has a typical shape, making it easy enough for MLB hitters to pick up on. He can blow 97 by minor leaguers all day, but MLB hitters can catch up to the velocity, and without strong movement even hard pitches are hittable. Morales had some ugly expected stats against the fastball, with a .288 xBA, .516 xSLG, and .385 xwOBA. It took some considerable luck for Morales to attain his 3.14 ERA as well, as he had a .233 BABIP against and a 85.2% LOB rate. His 4.54 xFIP and 4.45 SIERA both suggest that he overperformed in the majors last season. He also served up plenty of home runs with a 1.48 HR/9. Batters found a way to elevate his pitches, with an 18.9-degree average launch angle against and a 46% flyball rate. That's not good for someone pitching half their games in Sutter Health Park, and it's not good for someone with a 9% walk rate either. He's a raw talent, but Morales has a chance to make the Athletics rotation, and he's practically free in drafts going at pick 494 in NFBC leagues this February. His long-term future might be in the bullpen, where he can maximize velocity and use his sweeper and slider as strikeout hammers. For 2026, he's a late round stab with good stuff and poor command.--Elliott Baas