Christopher Morel already making case to return to Chicago Cubs roster

Jordan Campbell

Iowa Cubs right fielder Christopher Morel (12) celebrates winning their first season opener in 11 / Margaret Kispert/The Register / USA

Perhaps the only surprise for the Chicago Cubs during Spring Training was the revelation that the team was moving forward with a plan to start super utility player Christopher Morel in Triple-A Iowa in an effort to get regular at-bats.

"“The coaching staff really felt strongly that he was a really good player who we really wanted playing a lot,” Hoyer said, “and having him as a bench option isn’t the right thing for his career and probably not the right thing for the length of the season.”"
Jed Hoyer via Chicago Tribune

Injuries forced Morel to remain with the Major League team last season since his initial promotion last May and chances are that had the Cubs had the same roster last season that they have this season, Morel would have returned to the minor leagues during the second half of the season when he hit under .200.

Morel has not made light of his assignment to Triple-A Iowa to begin the season. Morel has been a spark plug for the I-Cubs to begin the season as he has 4 hits in his first 15 plate appearances with a double, triple, and a home run.

It would appear that the only path that Morel may have back to the Major League roster is through injury or poor production. The Cubs envision Morel playing everyday and the only two positions where that is a possibility for the 23-year-old would be third base or center field.

Patrick Wisdom has two home runs through the Cubs first three games but center fielder Cody Bellinger remains hitless. Bellinger will likely be given an extended look in center field regardless of any offensive struggles that may occur. Though, if Morel continues his hot start and the Cubs continue to show offensive deficiencies, the team may be left with no option but call-up the fan favorite.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.