Among Cubs fans, Christopher Morel is a highly regarded player. He’s a power hitter, one of the more thrilling walkoff home runs in recent memory, and a fan favourite because to his contagious smile and excitement.
For the Cubs in 2023, Morel hit.247/.313/.508 (96-for-388) with 26 home runs in 107 games. That is excellent! Additionally, he struck out 133 times, which is really poor.
With the Cubs, Morel doesn’t really have a defensive position he can play. Although the Cubs have Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner signed for at least three more years, he would likely be fine at second base. There was some discussion that Morel would work at third base in winter ball, but he is not a terrific fielder. Though he has only made five starts in winter ball, he has really spent the most of his time at shortstop.
And with Morel, what now? It seems that designated hitter is his best position. In 2023, he made more starts than any other Cub with 59 starts.
However, Morel would be without a position if the Cubs were to sign Shohei Ohtani, unless his offseason work somehow made him a first- or third-base option. The Cubs could use a hitter at the later positions, but Morel would be a serious defensive liability in that spot right now.
In my opinion, Morel shouldn’t be dealt before Ohtani signs a contract.
MLB.com has the following to say regarding Morel’s potential trade worth.
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