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The Chicago Cubs are fine with Christopher Morel’s positional future being undetermined at this time.
In addition to strengthening the Cubs’ roster, Morel was one of the team’s top concerns going into the summer.
The 24-year-old is used to playing several positions since he has the physical attributes and tools to do so after two big-league seasons. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer stated in October at the team’s post-season press conference that the Cubs would need to assess Morel’s positional future and the best way to use him in the run-up to 2024.
The Cubs are looking for ways to keep their powerful bat in the lineup, and four weeks before camp opens in Mesa, Ariz., they are unsure of where Morel will fit in defensively.
Manager Craig Counsell stated on Saturday, “We’re going to have to decide where we focus a lot of the work on with Christopher at some point.” “And we may get that wrong at first, but his versatility is something that will get him on the field and, in my opinion, gives the team a floor if that makes sense, so you have a lot of options there to adjust to if something doesn’t go as planned or as you had hoped.
“I think Christopher will do that for the Cubs; that’s what versatile players do.”
In the Dominican Republic, where he played winter ball, Morel was hired to play first base, however he mostly started at third base and had little game experience there. The Cubs received a productive pregame work and film, general manager Carter Hawkins said on Saturday.
Hawkins remarked, “We’re eager to see how that turns out.” “But from an athletic perspective, he clearly demonstrates that if you can play shortstop with your hands, you should be able to play first.”
If there are any further offseason transactions, third base would seem to be the best spot for Morel to take over. Although he occasionally struggles with routine plays and consistency on his throws, he has had moments of spectacular defensive play. According to an Instagram story on his account, Morel missed the Cubs Convention this past weekend due to visa complications. In 2023, he started just two games and played 39 1/3 innings overall at third base.
So, in spring training, why not start Morel at third every day to see if he can handle it?
Hawkins remarked, “You could put all our chips in one spot, or we could put half in one and the other.” “I’m not sure which is a better response. Right now, we’ve decided to play him in a few different spots, and we’ll keep adding chips to the ones where we think there are better chances. But for now, it’s merely our current strategic plan.
Counsell concurs with the argument against positional diversity, which holds that a player will improve in a position if they consistently play that position. But when it comes to Morel and the club, the Cubs are looking ahead.
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