Despite his energy and potential, Cubs made the right move in trading Christopher Morel

It was inevitable that Christopher Morel drew comparisons to vintage Javy Baez. The two play with an unmatched energy and enthusiasm that's contagious for both teammates and fans alike and, at their best, are capable of changing the game in so many different ways.

He made a perfect heir apparent after the Chicago Cubs traded Javier Baez in 2021, breaking the hearts of a fanbase that watched Baez, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant pack their bags over a two-day span that July. With the team rebuilding in recent years, Morel, at times, showed why he can be must-see TV - at no point more so than his unforgettable walk-off against the White Sox last summer.

But moments like that weren't enough to justify building around him long-term, especially after he took a step in the wrong direction at the plate this year. With an eye on 2024 and beyond, Jed Hoyer sent Morel to Tampa Bay, along with a pair of pitching prospects, in exchange for All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes.

Cubs go for consistency over potential in the Christopher Morel trade

After hitting a career-high 26 home runs en route to an .821 OPS and 119 OPS+ in 2023, the power in Morel's game completely evaporated in 2024, evidenced by a sub-.400 slugging percentage. He's shown flashes at times but has never really put together a long stretch of sustained success at the plate.

Pair his offensive shortcomings this year with a horrendous defensive showing at third base and his future became very uncertain by mid-July. I singled him out last week as someone unexpected the Cubs could move ahead of the trade deadline because, despite his struggles, his skill set, age and long-term controllability still make him an attractive guy.

Given the track record of the Rays, this has all the makings of one of those moves that we sit back 2 or 3 years from now wondering why we let Morel get away - but given where the Cubs are and what they need, it's the right move. Chicago desperately needed more run production and power in this lineup and, in Paredes, they get it in a cost-controlled player with a track record of proven performance.