Perry William Morlando (born May 16, 2005) is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Miami Marlins organization.

P. J. Morlando
Morlando in 2024
Miami Marlins
Outfielder
Born: (2005-05-16) May 16, 2005 (age 19)
Prince George's County, Maryland, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right

Amateur career

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Morlando attended Summerville High School in Summerville, South Carolina, where he plays baseball. As a sophomore in 2022, he hit nine home runs and had 23 RBIs.[1] As a junior in 2023, he batted .463 with six home runs and 19 RBIs.[2][3] That summer, Morlando won the 2023 High School Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park and was named MVP of the High School All-American Game.[4][5] He also was named to USA Baseball's 18U team.[6] As a senior in 2024, Morlando hit .392 with two home runs and reached base more than 60% of the time, often being pitched around.[7] He committed to play college baseball at the University of South Carolina.[8]

Professional career

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Morlando was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the first round, with the 16th overall selection of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft.[9] On July 19, 2024, Morlando signed with the Marlins on an underslot contract worth $3.4 million.[10] He played in one game for the Single–A Jupiter Hammerheads, going 0–for–1. On August 9, it was announced that Morlando would miss the remainder of the season after suffering a lumbar stress reaction.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Lee, Roger (June 26, 2022). "Morlando is cool under pressure". Post and Courier.
  2. ^ Askeland, Kevin (July 10, 2023). "High school baseball: MaxPreps Underclass All-America Teams". MaxPreps.com.
  3. ^ Lee, Roger (June 30, 2023). "Morlando to participate in All-Star Week". Post and Courier.
  4. ^ "High School Home Run Derby win a dream come true for Morlando". MLB.com.
  5. ^ Lee, Roger (July 9, 2023). "Morlando shines at All-American events". Post and Courier.
  6. ^ "Morlando earns spot on US National Team". 247Sports.
  7. ^ https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-baseball/article290027954.html
  8. ^ Lou Bezjak. "PJ Morlando commits to South Carolina baseball". The State. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  9. ^ "Marlins snag HS slugger PJ Morlando with No. 16 pick". MLB.com.
  10. ^ "Notable Draft Signings: 7/19/24". mlbtraderumors.com. 19 July 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  11. ^ "Marlins' PJ Morlando: Done for season with back injury". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
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