Sacramento Athletics: Top 3 Pitching Prospects 2025

Luis Morales, RHP

The Athletics made a bold move by signing Morales straight out of Cuba when he was just 20 years old in 2023. This hard-throwing right-hander burst onto the professional baseball scene with great promise. However, his performance in 2024 didn’t quite align with the high expectations set for him. Early in the season, Morales faced a challenging hurdle: a shoulder injury. This setback may have played a role in a rather disappointing season where he recorded a 4.22 ERA, accumulating 84 strikeouts and 36 walks over 81 innings pitched for High-A Lansing.

Morales is known for his electric four-seam fastball, which averages a remarkable 97 mph, making it the fastest in the Athletics’ entire system. His commitment to developing his slider has paid off, as it showcases impressive shape and movement, adding depth to his pitch repertoire. Additionally, he possesses a changeup that hovers in the high 80s. When he finds his rhythm on the mound, Morales can be nothing short of exceptional; however, inconsistency has often marred his outings.

Despite the recent challenges, Morales has the raw talent and potential to evolve into a star pitcher. Yet, there are numerous question marks that still linger regarding his development. This season, it’s anticipated that he will spend time in the minors to hone his skills and address these concerns. Keep an eye on Morales—he’s undoubtedly a player with exciting potential, and his journey is one worth following closely.

Jack Perkins, RHP

Standing at six feet one inch tall, the fifth-round draft pick from 2022 showcased his talent during a standout 2024 season with Double-A Midland. He recorded an impressive 2.96 ERA across 76 innings of work, despite facing challenges early in the season due to a lat injury. His ability to accumulate strikeouts was notable, achieving an impressive 31.7% strikeout rate; however, he also struggled with an 11.1% walk rate, indicating room for improvement in his command.

Perkins possesses a four-seam fastball that consistently sits between 94 and 97 mph, with a good ride. However, his most lethal weapon is his slider, which is thrown in the mid-80s. This pitch is particularly effective, boasting an impressive 45% miss rate, making it one of the standout sliders within the A’s system. In addition to the slider, he features a cutter and a curveball in his arsenal, though he is still working on refining the latter to enhance its command.

Overall, while Perkins displays average control, there is a clear need for improvement as he enters this season. Currently, he appears to be on a trajectory toward a relief pitching role, but his development over the coming months will ultimately determine his position within the organization.

Mason Barnett, RHP

The Royals selected Barnett in the third round of the 2022 draft, recognizing his potential as a promising young talent. His firstr year minor leagues was excellent, earning him accolades as the Royals’ minor league player of the year from Baseball America in 2023. In 2024, he was traded to the Athletics, where he showcased his skills with Double-A Midland, recording an impressive 2.61 ERA over 41.1 innings pitched.

Barnett features a four-pitch arsenal that gives him an edge on the mound. His four-seam fastball, which consistently reaches the mid-90s, exhibits some good cut and rise. However, the standout pitch in his repertoire is undoubtedly his sweeper – a formidable tool that has proven to be a game-changer, with hitters missing the mark on it 40% of the time. Additionally, he incorporates a curveball and a mid-80s changeup into his mix, the latter of which proves particularly effective against left-handed batters.

As Barnett progresses in his development, the trajectory looks promising. If he continues to refine his skills and maintain his upward momentum, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable No. 4 or No. 5 starter in the major leagues. With his sights set firmly on the future, there is a strong possibility that he will make his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2025.