-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Chicago Cubs have given us plenty to talk about this season. Coming into the year, most fans simply wanted an entertaining team that had a chance in 2023, and that looks to be exactly what they’re getting. But with all of the storylines and entertainment this team has provided, we still aren’t talking enough about Christopher Morel.
When people talk about the core, or the “next great Cubs team,” much is made about Dansby Swanson, Justin Steele, Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and the hope that Cody Bellinger also remains a piece of that puzzle. Is it the lack of an everyday position that excludes Morel from some of these conversations? Are people gun-shy because Morel cooled off considerably after a hot start to his career last year?
Whatever the case may be: Morel deserves everyone’s attention, and he deserves to be listed as a key piece to the next run of Cubs relevancy.
Much-Needed Mashing
For starters: This isn’t the same Christopher Morel from last season. The strikeout rate is the same (32.2%), but it is closer to 30% since June 1. You can live with that K-rate when the production is elite in other areas. When Morel makes contact, he crushes baseballs. And that’s exactly what this team needs.
Look at where Morel ranks in MLB in the following stat categories:
- 34th in average exit velocity (91.9 MPH)
- 29th in hard-hit percentage (50.1%)
- 28th in OPS (.894) among players who have played 60+ games
- 15th in AB’s per home run (15.7)
- 10th in slugging percentage (.552) among players who have played 60+ games
You can make the argument that Morel is the second-best hitter on the Cubs, and you’d be right. He has already surpassed last year’s home run and RBI totals in 140 fewer at-bats. And if you add his numbers from Iowa in April, you start to get video-game-level production.
Even if Morel doesn’t find a permanent position to play, his versatility is highly valuable to cover future injuries. And his development at DH might be the biggest factor of them all. After struggling in the role earlier this season, Morel now has his slash line up to .303/.347/.596 in 89 at-bats as a DH.
And as fans also know, the numbers don’t even tell the whole story of the player and the person he is. Morel brings an infectious energy and personality to the team. He’s one of the most likable players I’ve ever followed. Teammates love him. Fans love him. And at just 24 years old, we can hope that Morel is part of this franchise for a very long time.
Morel of the Story
It’s time for David Ross to hit Morel higher than sixth in the lineup consistently, and it’s definitely time for fans to stop including Morel in any future trade ideas. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to start talking about Christopher Morel as a key piece of the next great Cubs team.
And who knows? Maybe this is already Year 1 of the next run.
“No surprise, we go to the playoffs, I say today. I believe,” Morel said following Wednesday's win over the Cincinnati Reds.
With players like Morel leading the way, it’s time for the fans to start believing again too.
More must-reads:
- Cardinals star gives update on timeline for injury rehab
- Shohei Ohtani showing what would happen if he only focused on hitting
- The 'MLB Rookies of the Year' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
