Christopher Morel just wants to play.
Doesn’t matter where, either.
He played outfield, second base, shortstop and third base last season and spent the entire offseason working out at every position.
It’s a smart move because it will make him even more valuable.
Morel was called up in May last season and slashed .235/.308/.433 to go along with 16 home runs in 425 plate appearances.
“I learned a lot,” Morel told reporters at spring training in Mesa, Ariz. “I learned a lot from veterans. I learned a lot from (former Cubs catcher) Willson (Contreras) … Learned how to be consistent, learned a routine, how to be disciplined in everything that we’re doing.”
The Chicago Cubs’ depth has increased dramatically from last season so it’s unclear exactly what Morel’s role will be. That role could change many times during the season depending on injuries and how players are performing.
But the Cubs believe that Morel is ready to contribute.
“Christopher’s got a bright future ahead of him,” manager David Ross said. “We’ll see where this spring training takes him. He can bounce around the outfield for us, be a fourth outfielder. Could be a utility player; he can play pretty much any infield position, probably besides first – we haven’t put him (there). But there’s also still a lot of growth potential there for him.”
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