It's time for the Washington Nationals to take a leap of faith and give Yohandy Morales a shot at the big leagues. The young corner infielder has been on a tear in the AAA system, boasting an impressive .303 batting average, 21 home runs, and a .930 OPS. However, the question remains: is he ready for the MLB? While some might argue that his low in-zone contact rate and high ground ball percentage make him a less-than-ideal prospect, I believe the time has come to give him a chance. What makes this particularly fascinating is the recent improvement in Morales' strikeout rate and ball-in-play performance. His ground ball percentage has been steadily decreasing, and his strikeout rate in July is a mere 6 in 30 at-bats, indicating a shift towards a more balanced approach. This is a crucial development, as it suggests that Morales is making the necessary adjustments to succeed at the highest level. One thing that immediately stands out is the raw power Morales possesses. Despite not being an air ball hitter, he consistently generates excellent exit velocities, showcasing his ability to access his pop. This power surge, coupled with his improved contact rate, makes him an intriguing prospect. From my perspective, the Nationals should consider calling up Morales and sending down Andres Chaparro. While Chaparro has struggled with a .157 batting average, Morales' recent performance makes him a more appealing option. Morales can serve as Luis Garcia Jr.'s platoon partner, providing regular playing time while also filling in at third base and designated hitter. Blake Butera's creativity in managing playing time can be utilized to ensure Morales gets the necessary reps. What many people don't realize is that Morales' Rule-5 eligibility this offseason means the Nationals will have to add him to the 40-man roster soon, making this a timely decision. There's also no shortage of potential DFA candidates on the roster, providing a strategic opportunity. In conclusion, the Nationals should take a chance on Yohandy Morales. His outstanding surface-level numbers, coupled with recent improvements in underlying metrics, make him a compelling prospect. It's time for Paul Toboni to give Morales a shot, and I believe the young man has earned this opportunity. The Nationals should act soon, as this could be a strategic move that pays off in the long run.
