Does Christopher Morel fit on the Chicago Cubs 2023 roster?

Spring training is well on its way and half of the starting lineup for the Chicago Cubs is set. A majority of everyday positions are being filled with new players via off-season free-agent signings. However, a familiar face from last season is still looking to define his role on the team. Christopher Morel was a rookie last season who provided a much-needed spark and started to struggle toward the end of the year.

The 23-year-old super utilityman may need to wait his turn and develop more as a hitter to figure out where he belongs on this roster. He played all over the field last season with 50 starts in center field, 28 at second base, and 16 at third base during 2022. Cubs’ manager David Ross had plenty to say about Morel while addressing reporters,

"He certainly has a bright future ahead of him. We will see where this spring training takes him. We have some more established players this year. I think he could bounce around the outfield for us and be a fourth outfielder. He could be a utility player. He can play any infield position other than first base. There is still a lot of growth potential for him. "

The Cubs are no strangers when it comes to finding a permanent home for young players. In recent memory, outfielder Ian Happ bounced around for a couple of years (outfield, second base, and third base) before earning the starting role in left field. Last season, he flourished by settling in and became an All-Star and a Gold-Glove winner. Who’s to say that cannot happen to Morel?

Time is certainly on his side while entering his second season with the big-league club. He will need to begin the process of earning the trust of his manager. Ross continued to say,

“Christopher put himself on the map last year with some really important swings. For a couple of months, he really swung the bat well. In the end, he had some adversity too. So he still for me has a very bright future ahead of him.”

The future is uncertain for Morel. He could earn a spot with the Cubs by coming off the bench or possibly even starting for their Triple-A affiliate the Iowa Cubs.  Down there, he could benefit from playing every day and improving on his .236/.308/.433 slash line in 113 games with Chicago.  Either way, he will need to develop as a major leaguer no matter where he starts this season.