Complex League Climbers: Monday's Top Performers(5/19/25)

Read on the top prospects from Monday's standout performances at the Complex level of Minor League Baseball

Author

Chris Clegg
May 20, 2025

Monday is a great day now because it is no longer the only day we do not have Minor League Baseball. Complex ball takes off on Sundays, but they are back in action on Monday and are the only Minor League level to play that day.

We had a ton of good action across the backfields and even some Spring Training ballparks yesterday. There are a ton of names you need to know, and getting in on these complex league standouts early can help you stay ahead before prospects break out.

Who is breaking out? You need to know these names. Let’s get after it.

Complex League Standouts

Nate George, OF, Baltimore Orioles, 18, CPX

We will lead off the article today with George, who is becoming quite popular and for good reason. He had a combo meal on Monday, hitting a home run and stealing a base. Not only did he add one stolen base, but two, and George reached base four times on the day.

It was clear to me when I saw George this spring on the backfields, and it is clear now, he should not be at the complex. It has been just 37 plate appearances, but George is slashing .433/.528/.767 with three home runs and five stolen bases. I do worry a bit that George has been successful in only 55 percent of stolen bases attempts, but this is a natural athlete who will learn to run the bases.

Despite George being selected in the 16th round, he has always been much better than that pick may perceive. The $455k signing bonus should tell you what you need to know.

Here was my offseason report on George:

George is the biggest wild card on the list and in my FYPD rankings. A 16th-round selection, George received a bonus from the Orioles of $455k, or $300k overslot. Built with a strong 6’0” frame, George is an impressive runner with big power.

During his senior year, George posted a .404 batting average with nine home runs, 26 extra-base hits, and 22 stolen bases. He posted an impressive 6.39-second 60-yard dash, making him one of the faster players in the draft.

From a power standpoint, George reached 104 mph with exit velocities, which is strong for his age and has impressive bat speed. While he does take aggressive swings, it is controlled well as well as his swing path and barrel.

George has a cannon for an arm and is smooth in the outfield. He shows impressive athleticism, and considering how late he went, Geroge could wind up a steal.

Emil Morales, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers, 18, CPX

Like last year in the DSL, Morales got off to a slow start in the complex, going hitless in four of his first five games. The switch flipped, and Morales now has a seven-game hitting streak with a slash of .345/.441/.655 over that span.

Strikeouts have been an issue even over that hit streak. Yesterday, that was not the case as Morales collected three hits and ended the day a triple shy of the cycle. It was Morales' third home run of the season.

The biggest change from last year seems to be a massive spike in ground ball rate, as Morales seems to be selling out to pull the ball more and rolling over some balls.

Morales dominated in 2024 in the DSL. Sure, it was just 201 plate appearances in the DSL, but still, a 194 wRC+ is the highest mark we have seen from a qualified minor leaguer since 2019.

The frame and the swing are highly impressive from a player who spent the year as a 17-year-old. The numbers speak for themselves. Morales .342/.478/.691 slash with 14 home runs and 12 stolen bases to pair with 11 doubles. The craziest thing is that Morales did not hit a home run until June 25. He played 32 games after that, hitting all 14 home runs with a .380/.515/.890 slash.

Morales was on base in 43 of his 46 games, walking nearly as often as he struck out, thanks to a strong 20 percent chase rate. The contact was sometimes inconsistent, as Morales posted a sub-70 percent contact rate, which is a little concerning and something to watch moving forward and has shown through at the complex.

There are some really important names to know, including some pitchers to buy now before it is too late. Subscribe below to get the article, plus a ton more!

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