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Yohandy Morales hits first MLB home run as family celebrates in heartwarming moment

Yohandy Morales reacts after first MLB home run
Yohandy Morales reacts after first MLB home runGreg Fiume/Getty Images

Washington Nationals designated hitter Yohandy Morales hit the first home run of his MLB career on Tuesday in front of celebrating family members.

Morales, 24, launched one of AJ Smith-Shawver in the bottom of the third inning on an 0-1 count to tie the game up 2-2.

Washington called up Moralez ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Atlanta Braves after playing in 104 games in Triple-A.

Morales was slashing .286/.363/.519 in Triple-A this season with 25 home runs and 76 RBI. The Miami native, who was originally a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, made his way all the way from rookie ball to Double-A in just his first year in the Nationals' organization. 

Despite his surprising boost in power this year, Morales didn't hit a single home run in 42 minor league games in 2023. He had 32 RBI and slashed .349/.423/.494. 

Then his power started to increase. In 2024, Morales finished 75 minor league games (69 in Double-A) with seven home runs and 41 RBI. Once he finally reached Triple-A last season, he finished the year in the minors with 15 homers, 71 RBI, and a .265 average before setting new personal bests this year. 

Washington, who have been shockingly one of the best-hitting teams in baseball all year, though countered by abysmal pitching, specifically their bullpen, are eight games back of a National League Wild Card spot with a 66-74 record heading into Tuesday's game. 

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