As position players get set to report to spring training, Chicago Cubs' slugger Christopher Morel has yet another new plan.
After being told at the outset of the offseason that he was going to focus on first base, Morel is now going to work at third base in an effort to get a consistent position.
The Cubs desperately want to get Morel's bat in the lineup but after acquiring Michael Busch this offseason, they don't need him at first base as often, so that's why they are pushing him to third.
Per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times:
Craig Counsell said he'd like to see Christopher Morel at third base to start camp. "Christopher's done so much with the bat, that it's our job to figure out the best way to deploy it." He left open the possibility of that changing but wants to give Morel consistency at the onset
Morel figures to be a big part of the Cubs' offense, especially if they officially lose Cody Bellinger's production in free agency. Bellinger hasn't signed yet and could still return, but if he doesn't, it will be a team effort in replacing him.
If Morel does play more third base, it allows Busch to get time at first and likely cuts into playing time for Nick Madrigal.
The 24-year-old Morel hit 26 home runs for the Northsiders in 2023. He drove in 70 runs and hit .247.
The Cubs finished 83-79 last season and were second in the National League Central.
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