Cuban right-hander Luis Danys Morales is the number #2 prospect in the Oakland Athletics organization. During his time in the minors this season he has 1-1 record, 4.12 earned run average in 13 starts at Lansing (+A). Morales who was selected for the 2024 Futures Game tossed two scoreless innings in which he fanned two batters during the contest two days ago on July 13th.
Morales was the first of the twelve players to defect at the Hermosillo/Obregón Sub-23 World Championship, only minutes after touching in México. The native of Sancti Spíritus,Cuba signed with Oakland for a bonus that was around 3 million dollars, a record for a Cuban pitcher surpassing the 2.8 M given to Sandy Gastón by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Morales is a very athletic pitcher, his fastball reached 97 miles per hour during the campaign, but scouts think it will jump up in mph as he matures physically. His best breaking pitch is the slider, he has a lot of dominion over it and throws it at good speed. He also throws an above-average change and curve.
While in Mexico, the pitcher trained with Maels Rodríguez, a former Cuban national team star pitcher and Olympian that is best known for his 100 mph fastball. Rodríguez has helped many pitchers in his “100 MPH Club” academy and aided Luis Dany in perfecting his pitching repertoire.
Below are excerpts from his interview with Dominican journalist Nicols De Peña
How important is it for you to be here in this game?
I am very happy for the opportunity to be in this country and for being able to represent my country Cuba in this game. I think it is a very nice experience, since I have always dreamed playing of this event. I am grateful to God for being able to participate in this event and represent my organization.
For Cubans to get to the USA is a complex process. Tell us about your migration process?
It was beautiful process, each Cuban has their own story and I think we are seeing the results in MLB and MiLB of all the effort that was made by all of us to get here.
In this entire migration process, who do you have to thank?
I thank all my coaches and family for always being there and supporting me. In general I also want to thank everyone who has contributed something to help me during my process.
Tell me a little about what you have worked on this year and how your focus has led you to this game?
I train every day to improve my pitches, my physical condition and every time I go out on the field I give my best.
Did you imagine yourself in a scenario like this, a Futures Game participant and one step away from being in the majors?
No, I didn’t imagine it. But we have always dreamed of being in the big leagues, so I think things are working out so far.
Throughout your career, who has been your idol?
Aroldis Chapman has always been my idol.
Any words of advice to those young players who are watching you and want to be here someday?
I would tell them to keep working hard because the opportunities are there for the taking. Keep working hard and ever lose faith or hope.
What has been the marquee moment for you in your career?
I believe that it was my signing with a professional team. Many players dream of signing a contract and it is something very special to sign on that dotted line during the signing day.
What expectations do you have for yourself in the near future?
I dream of one day reaching the major leagues and that’s what we are working hard for in the near future.
Anything apart from that? Because obviously you are already on that path.
I dream of being a Hall of Famer, someone who establishes himself in the major leagues and is recognized throughout the world.