The Oakland Athletics’ recent trade of closer Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears to the San Diego Padres has paved the way for right-hander Luis Morales to make his major league debut. On Thursday night, MLB.com confirmed Morales would be called up from Triple-A Las Vegas, offering the 22-year-old Cuban pitcher a fresh opportunity on the big league stage.
The promotion comes just ahead of the Athletics’ three-game home series starting Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California.
Morales: A Top Prospect with Electric Potential
Standing 6-foot-3, Luis Morales signed with the Athletics in 2023 for $3 million as an international prospect and currently ranks as the No. 80 overall prospect in baseball and the No. 3 within Oakland’s farm system, according to MLB Pipeline. Morales follows closely behind 18-year-old phenom Leo De Vries, who recently became the Athletics’ new No. 1 prospect as part of the trade compensation from San Diego.
Morales is known for his fastball, slider, and changeup, with MLB Pipeline highlighting his
“electric fastball that reaches 99 mph and sits around 96 thanks to his whip-like delivery.”
His pitch repertoire was recently refined by dropping his curveball to concentrate on developing high-quality secondary pitches, which enhances his effectiveness on the mound.
Performance and Adaptation in 2025 Season
This season, Morales began as a starter but shifted to a bullpen role about a month ago to manage his innings total. In nine relief appearances, he has maintained a strong 2.00 ERA across 18 innings. Overall, Morales has made 23 appearances — including 14 starts — between Triple-A Las Vegas and Double-A Midland, compiling a 7-3 record, a 3.73 ERA, and an impressive 107 strikeouts in 89.1 innings pitched.
Looking Forward: Building for the Future Amid the Current Standings
With the Athletics holding a 48-63 record and trailing by 10 games for the final American League wild-card spot with 51 games remaining, the organization is strategically investing in future talent. Morales’s arrival reflects the team’s plan to evaluate and develop promising prospects as they look beyond the current season challenges.
Jami Leabow, managing editor of Minor League Baseball at Sports Illustrated, notes the excitement that comes with uncovering new talent. Her passion for the sport dates back to her parents’ support when they purchased season tickets for the California Angels, further emphasizing the significance of promoting hopeful players like Morales.
“Morales can light up the radar gun with an electric fastball that reaches 99 mph and sits around 96 thanks to his whip-like delivery. He trimmed his pitch mix down to three after shelving his curveball and optioned to instead focus on his developing slider and changeup, both of which have the makings of quality secondary pitches.”
—MLB Pipeline