Christopher Morel could be the Chicago Cubs' X-Factor this season

The Chicago Cubs' high-energy super utilityman Christopher Morel may be starting the 2023 season in Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs. Honestly, this is probably the best place for him at this point in his career, and with recent additions to the roster after a very active offseason filled with free-agent signings.

Morel continues to show flashes of his talents during spring training.

In 19 games, he has cranked out four home runs with 24 total bases in the Cactus League. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to control his strikeouts (20) and his batting average (.238) is almost identical to the .235 average he had during his 2022 rookie season.

I’m still very high on him and believe he can contribute to the big league ball club. Will he be able to make the team as the starting third baseman or be slotted as a backup outfielder?

It’s hard to predict what will happen regarding injuries. For example, Seiya Suzuki, the starting right fielder, has been out since late February while trying to recover from an oblique injury. Morel could easily fill in until Suzuki returns.

No matter where he starts the year – there will most likely be a spot for him on this team at some point during the season. He could be the team’s X-factor this year because of his power, speed, energy, and versatility.