After an up and down first professional season, Yohandy Morales looks to do damage in the upper minors
Yohandy Morales was considered a first round talent by many leading up to the 2023 draft, but the Nats managed to snag him in the second round. He was ranked 20th by MLB Pipeline. Morales was a hulking third baseman with big time power, and he remains that but questions have come up over the past 18 months.
The biggest problem is that Morales has not been able to tap into his plus raw power. He only hit 5 home runs in 245 Double-A at bats. That is simply not enough for a prospect who’s main selling point is his power. Morales’ hit tool showed more promise than expected, hitting .269 in AA, with a .362 OBP. However, a .384 slugging percentage isn’t good enough for a 6’3 225 pound slugger who looks like a first baseman long term.
There are scouts who question Morales’ swing mechanics, saying that is a big reason why he struggles to tap into his power. He pulled fly balls at just a 13% clip, which is 10% below average. For Morales to reach his 30 home run upside, he is going to have to pull more fly balls.
To be fair to Morales, he missed a big chunk of the season with a thumb injury and looked better when he returned. 2025 is a massive year for Morales to grab a place in the Nats future plans. It is not quite make or break, but Morales needs to have a big year to re-assert himself as the third or first baseman of the future.
We will get a chance to look at him this spring, as the 23 year old got a Spring Training invite. Getting some looks against high quality pitching will be interesting for Morales. Hopefully he has a big spring to kickstart his campaign. All of the tools are there with Morales to be a quality power hitting corner infielder. He just needs to make a few adjustments.
Given he did not dominate the level, Morales should start the year back at Double-A. However, if he gets off to a fast start, he should get to Rochester in no time. With Brady House’s struggles last year, Morales also has a chance to pass House if he has a big year and House continues to struggle. As is the case for so many Nats youngsters. 2025 is such a big year in determining just how good Yo-Yo Morales is.