Cubs infield was more good than bad in 2024, but this key position has to improve

Christopher Morel was a disaster - and Isaac Paredes was slow to adjust

A fan favorite in the post-Javier Baez era, Christopher Morel came into the season on the heels of a breakout 2023 in which he set career-highs in home runs (26) and OPS+ (122). The big question was whether or not he could make the transition to third base defensively.

The answer, pretty resoundingly, was 'no'. But the bigger problem was his offense cratered, which made his subpar glove work at third even more untenable for a Cubs team with only the narrowest margins for error. Morel batted just .199 for Chicago, and the expected metrics never came to fruition, forcing the hand of Jed Hoyer come July when he traded Morel to Tampa Bay in a deal that brought back power-hitting infielder Isaac Paredes.

Morel never found his footing with the Rays and, in Wrigleyville, Paredes really struggled to adjust to his 'new' digs. He hit just three home runs over the season's final two months, but at least started to produce again in September after an abysmal month of August where he made just about the worst first impression ever.

Barring a major shake-up or addition this winter, the Cubs have to get 30+ homers and a slugging percentage in the .500 range from Paredes if they want to win. They brought him in to be that corner infield power bat and if he can't provide that, this trade could end up being little more than Hoyer spinning his tires in an attempt to solve the third base dilemma.