Dodgers agree to terms with No. 14 international prospect
The Dodgers agreed to a deal with shortstop Emil Morales, MLB.com’s No. 14 international prospect, upon Monday’s opening of the 2024 signing period, according to an industry source. The club has not yet confirmed the agreement.
The Dodgers received a $5.284 million base signing pool.
Morales is a big-bodied prospect with the potential to develop into a game-changing power bat. He’s shown the ability to manage the strike zone and is patient enough to draw walks consistently. When he gets his pitch, he turns on it quickly and drives the ball to all fields with authority. Morales flashes home run power, and more could be on the way as he looks to build upon his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame.
Like most teenage prospects, Morales is working on repeating his mechanics in the batter’s box, but that should improve once he receives daily instruction at the club’s academy.
Added strength and muscle could slow him down and move him from the middle infield to third base or a corner outfield spot, but the teen can play anywhere on the field. His arm strength, soft hands and footwork will help in the transition to another position, if necessary, showcasing his versatility.
Scouts have praised Morales’ makeup and high baseball IQ, as the 17-year-old has displayed great leadership abilities. He trains in the Dominican Republic with Fausto Garcia and Jaime Ramos, members of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
