Marlins Move On From Offseason Signing

Across 22 games this season, Morel slashed .162/.219/.206 with one RBI. He struck out 28 times while drawing just four walks.

Morel signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Miami during the offseason, hoping to bounce back after slashing .219/.289/.396 with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025. However, he suffered a left oblique strain during batting practice on Opening Day and landed on the 10-day injured list.

Morel made his season debut on April 28 but saw his playing time decrease as his struggles at the plate continued. His 18 wRC+ was the third-lowest mark among all MLB hitters with at least 70 plate appearances this season. He has not played since June 10.

Morel's departure is the latest in a series of offseason moves that have not panned out for Miami. Starter Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on May 5 after posting an 0-5 record with a 7.63 ERA across seven appearances, including six starts. Additionally, outfielder Austin Slater was designated for assignment on April 23 after signing a one-year deal shortly before Opening Day.

With Morel gone, Kyle Stowers could see even more reps at first base moving forward. The 28-year-old made his first appearance at the position on April 26 and has seen increased playing time there as the season has progressed. He owns a .970 fielding percentage with two errors across nine starts at first base.

Offensively, he's making a case to become Miami's new everyday first baseman. Stowers is hitting .290 with a .425 on-base percentage, three home runs, and nine RBI when playing first base.

Moving Stowers to first would also create room in the outfield for Conine's return. Before suffering a left hamstring tear on April 9, Conine was slashing .273/.360/.591 with two home runs and four RBI in 11 games.

The move could provide Miami with its best chance to keep its momentum rolling. The Marlins have won four straight games and are an MLB-best 14-4 in June.

Miami (40-38) sits just a half-game out of a National League Wild Card spot heading into a three-game series against the Texas Rangers beginning Monday.