Luis Morales (minors07)

Luis Danys Morales

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 186 lb.

• Born September 24, 2002 in Antilla, Holguín Cuba

BR Register page

Biographical information

Luis Morales first pitched for Sancti Spiritus in the Cuban Serie Nacional in 2020-21. At just 17, he showed some serious potential by going 3-3, 5.95 in 11 games. He was also a standout in youth leagues on the island. He then defected from Cuba in order to begin a professional career. He did so immediately after arriving in Hermosillo, Mexico for a youth tournament at which 12 Cuban players defected.

On January 15, 2023, he was signed as an international amateur free agent by the Oakland Athletics. His signing bonus of $3 million was the highest offered to a Cuban pitcher following changes to the international signing system. This was due in large part to a fastball that has touched 99 mph on the radar gun. He pitched for four different teams that season: the DSL Athletics, the ACL Athletics, the Stockton Ports of the California League, and the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. The series of promotions was a sign that the A's considered him a top prospect. In 14 games total, 13 of them starts, he went 0-5, 2.86, allowing 33 hits in 44 innings, with a 53/15 K/W ratio. Given he was still very young and had not pitched for a couple of seasons, the A's were careful with his workload.

In 2024, he started the season with Lansing. After 12 starts, he was 1-1, 4.32, having pitched 41 2/3 innings and struck out 42 batters. At the end of June, he was named to play for the American League team at the 2024 Futures Game.

He is also known by his full name, Luis Danys Morales.