It’s the weekend, Athletics Nation!
Yesterday, 19-year-old Cuban pitcher Luis Morales was instated as a free agent by MLB after defecting. This means that teams are free to court him using their international bonus pool money, and sign Morales for the 2023 season and beyond.
The A’s being the name most attached to Morales is only somewhat surprising. According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Morales is set to command the highest bonus for a pitcher since spending was initially capped with the bonus pool system. The Oakland A’s look to continue taking advantage of the international market, following the early 2012 signing of fellow Cuban, Yoenis Cespedes, and 2008’s record payout to Michael Ynoa.