Christopher Morel

Morel is the unfortunate output of the roster options process when a team burns through those options years too early in a player's development cycle. The Cubs burned through Morel's options years before he was 25 years old because they were enticed with his athleticism. He made that decision look smart in 2023, but the struggles began in 2024 and they have not stopped. Morel was some of the worst swing and miss in baseball, which is not helped with his inconsistent playing time since. Morel also happens to have some of the best average exit velocity, hard contact, and bat speed rates in baseball which will keep giving him chances. His approach is an extremely pull heavy one as he attempts to maximize his redeeming qualities, yet the approach leaves him susceptible to many paths for pitchers to retire him. He is young enough for 2023 to happen again, but he needs to find regular playing time. He'll get a chance to win a role at first base with the Marlins this spring. Read Past Outlooks