Nationals’ Yohandy Morales Prepares To Play New Position
The week before Yohandy Morales batted cleanup for the Nationals in their inaugural Spring Breakout game, he learned what position he would play in that game and likely in many more this season: first base.
The former University of Miami third baseman is expected to play both corner infield spots in his first full minor league campaign. With third baseman Brady House among the other top prospects in the system, Morales’ path might be more clear at first base.
“I’m getting some reps there and getting used to the position,” Morales said. “I feel like the angles are one of my strengths at third base, and a lot of that is similar at first. I like to work on my first steps, back and front.”
The 22-year-old Morales, who commonly goes by Yoyo, hit .349/.423/.494 in 42 games last summer between Rookie ball, Low-A Fredericksburg, High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg.
He hit 16 doubles and four triples but zero home runs after belting 20 in his final college season. The Nationals drafted him in the second round.
“I know the home runs will come,” Morales said. “I’ve been driving the ball with backspin this spring. I know my ability and what I can do.”
Morales was a shortstop in high school and played there sparingly in his freshman year at Miami. His father Andy played for the Cuban national team and reached Double-A as a third baseman in the Red Sox and Yankees systems.
“He’s always telling me what I can do to get better,” Morales said. “Following in his footsteps has really helped me.”
Nationals farm director Eddie Longosz said Morales is excited about the opportunity to play first base as well as third.
“He has the footwork to play both positions and the arm to continue at third base as well,” Longosz said. “He has power to all fields with the bat. His contact is always hard. He does a great job of putting the ball in play and does well with two strikes.”
CAPITAL GAINS
— Righthander Marc Davis, an 11th-round pick in 2021 out of Florida Southwestern State JC, also had an impressive minor league camp. “His fastball is live,” Longosz said. “He attacks the zone and has good action on his curveball.” The 24-year-old Davis is also working on his changeup.
— Yohandy Morales went 1-for-3 with a run in the Spring Breakout game against the Mets. T.J. White, a first baseman at High-A Wilmington last year, was the star of the day for the Nationals. Slotted at DH, he went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in a 4-2 loss. Cole Henry, Travis Sykora and Andry Lara each pitched a scoreless inning in the seven-inning game.
