Chicago Cubs: 4 players to be thankful for

Thanksgiving eve is upon us and Chicago Cubs fans are hoping for an eventful offseason that will see the team return to contention in 2023. After two consecutive losing seasons, the Cubs are expected to spend money this offseason at a level that they hadn't since 2017 with the goal of returning to the postseason in 2023.

The Cubs have their eyes set on acquiring a superstar shortstop this offseason as the team has been linked to free agents Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Dansby Swanson. If the Cubs are able to land a shortstop like Correa, that certainly would change the lens through which this team is viewed in.

There is no question that the 2022 season was a disappointment for the Cubs but there remain players on the roster that the team should be thankful for as they move toward the future.

Chicago Cubs: 4 players to be thankful for: No.1 Christopher Morel

Perhaps the most memorable player on the Cubs' 2022 roster was rookie Christopher Morel. While not considered to be a top prospect entering the 2022 season, Morel did all of the things well while in the Cubs' minor league system and that would be the reason for his early callup to the Major League level last May.

Morel capped off his rookie season with a slash line of .235/.308/.433/.741 with 16 runs and a 108 wRC+ in 425 plate appearances. Morel's offensive success at the beginning of his Major League run essentially forced the issue for the team and he remained at the Major League level for the duration of the season. Morel enters 2023 with no set position but likely see plenty of playing time as the team's super-utility man.