P.J. Morlando

School: Summerville (S.C.) HS Commit/Drafted: South Carolina
Age At Draft: 19.2
BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Tools: Hit: 55. Power: 60. Run: 40. Field: 50. Arm: 50.

Morlando earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in the 2024 high school class thanks to a strong combination of contact skills, plate discipline and raw power. He is powerfully built with well-developed musculature throughout a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and easy plus raw power thanks to well above-average bat speed. Morlando’s hitting setup is unorthodox. He uses an extremely wide stance and no leg kick or stride, but rather a quiet and simple lower-half weight transfer. He has no wasted movement with his hands or head throughout the swing. The fact that he’s able to generate standout game power with that setup is a testament to his strength, bat speed and pure hitting ability. Notably, he didn’t show the sort of offensive performance scouts expected this spring, and teams might want to get him less grounded in the future. Morlando’s contact skills and swing decisions should make him an above-average hitter who will also take his fair share of walks. An outfielder and first baseman, he might be best at first base, where his below-average speed and upright, heel-striking running stride won’t limit him quite as much. Morlando is old for the class and will be 19 on draft day, which, combined with a first base profile, will make him a polarizing prospect. He’s committed to South Carolina but could be drafted on day one if he’s signable.