LA Angels Top Prospect Countdown: #22 Osmer Morales

The LA Angels have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. However, they have a good mix of prospects who will help soon and some with star potential down the road. In this series, we will evaluate each of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Today, it’s pitcher Osmer Morales.

The LA Angels signed right-handed pitcher Osmer Morales this past offseason to a minor league deal. He was originally signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2009 at the age of 17. He spent seven summers in the Venezuelan Summer League, where he was solid but did not show too much progression throughout.

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Morales reached his first full season of Single-A ball in 2015. In 43 appearances he threw 83.1 innings with a 4.10 ERA. He walked 23 batters while striking out a 85. In 2016, he split time between Single-A and Single-A Advanced. In 32 games (14 starts), Morales owned a 3.32 ERA in 116.2 innings pitched. He struck out a whopping 134 batters while walking 23.

These strikeout numbers are impressive, especially considering that Morales lacks a truly elite pitch to strike batters out with. He has an exceptional fastball and curveball, an average slider, and an underwhelming changeup.

Morales is an exciting prospect for the Angels. He is currently pitching in his eighth season, but is still only 24 years old. Morales started his eighth season (and his first with the Halos) in Double-A, where he currently sits 1-0 with a 3.50 ERA in four starts. He has not allowed more than two runs in any of his starts. He has shown good command, striking out 22 batters while walking six. 

Next: Alex Meyer finally has solid start for Angels

Morales could find himself finishing the season in Triple-A Salt Lake if he continues to perform well. An invitation to Spring Training next season is not a stretch for Morales, and he could find himself contributing in the big leagues next season.