The Los Angeles Dodgers have a lone prospect constantly within the prime 5 who shouldn’t be an outfielder: shortstop Emil Morales.
Morales was born in Spain, although he performed baseball within the Dominican Republic. He was signed from the 2024 worldwide beginner free agent class for $1,897,500 by the Dodgers.
At solely 19 years previous, he is likely one of the extra uncooked prospects within the Dodgers’ system, however he has a great deal of upside.
He’s 6 toes 3 inches tall and weighs 191 kilos, although scouts imagine he ought to add a great deal of muscle to his body and probably lose some pace, probably resulting in a transfer to 3rd base. He bats and throws right-handed as nicely.
The place does Emil Morales rank as a prospect?
Morales is the No. 92 prospect in accordance with MLB Pipeline, the fifth general within the Dodgers’ farm system.
He ranks No. 65 in The Athletic’s rankings, the sixth general identify within the group. He sits fourth in FanGraph’s rating of Dodgers prospects.
ESPN has him at No. 65 general and the Dodgers’ fifth prospect within the system.
How did Emil Morales play in 2025?
Morales broke into rookie ball in 2025 on the age of 18 years, taking part in in 59 video games and hitting .300/.383/.498 with 9 dwelling runs.
He totalled 43 RBIs as nicely, exhibiting a great really feel and incomes a promotion to Single-A. With Rancho Cucamonga, he hit 5 dwelling runs, 27 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases.
Emil Morales Scouting Report
In line with MLB Pipeline, Morales is projected to achieve the majors in 2029, whereas FanGraphs has him breaking in in 2030.
Each prospect scouting assets give him between 4 and 5 seasons to interrupt into the key leagues, and contemplating his age, he may find yourself being referred to as up sooner because of the excessive positional worth that’s placed on shortstop.
His timeline may rely on Mookie Betts, who desires to complete his profession as a shortstop. He’s nonetheless extremely cellular and athletic in his 30s, however the vary wanted for shortstop could power the legendary Dodger to maneuver again into the outfield or second base as he ultimately ages out.
Morales may very well be the Dodgers’ reply on the place with a handful of spectacular seasons within the minor leagues.
Listed below are Doug McKain’s ideas on Morales as a prospect, giving his two cents on the younger participant’s outlook going ahead.
“Large shortstop, standing at 6’3”, 191 lbs. Morales was born in Spain, however skilled within the Dominican Republic, the place he turned heads resulting from his distinctive dimension and power for a center infielder,” Doug mentioned.
“It was a small pattern, however he posted a formidable .960 OPS in 143 plate appearances for low-A as a teen.
“He’s hit at each cease to this point on the decrease ranges of the Dodgers farm system with tantalizing energy that provides visions of Corey Seager-like energy from a shortstop with the potential to smash 25-30 homers on the Large-League degree someday.”
Emil Morales Grades:
Scouting grades are on a 20-80 scale, with 50 being common. These are what scouts imagine his potential is.
MLB Pipeline:
Hitting – 50Power – 60Base-running – 50Arm strength- 55Fielding – 50
Total: 55 out of 80
FanGraphs
Hitting – 40Power – 65Speed – 50Fielding – 50
Total: 50 out of 80
For the present Dodgers prospect rankings, click on right here.
