Morel Key Utility Piece For Cubs

Even though the Chicago Cubs massively upgraded their roster in the offseason, there should be plenty of opportunities for a versatile player like Christopher Morel.

It helps that Morel can play multiple positions.

The 23-year-old Morel can play second base, shortstop, third base and all outfield spots.

“I'd love to be able to move him around,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said recently to reporters. “I think that so much of his value is wrapped in the fact that he's a really good defender at a lot of positions. And I think he'll work really hard over the winter to play all those positions that much better.

“But his versatility and athleticism is extreme, and I think we should utilize that. I don’t think pigeonholing him in one spot is the best idea.”

Morel finished the 2022 season slashing .235/.308/.433 to go along with 16 home runs in 425 plate appearances.

Now, Morel scuffled down the stretch. But that happens to most players in a marathon season. He clearly showed enough ability offensively and defensively to help the Cubs this season and beyond.