ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 12: Chicago Cubs designated hitter Christopher Morel (5) as seen after striking out during a MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals on July 12, 2024, at Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO.. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Miami Marlins’ gamble on adding former Chicago Cubs standout Christopher Morel was built on the idea that his raw power could be unlocked in a new environment. Instead, the experiment has come to an abrupt end after a brutal stretch at the plate that led to his release from the organization.
Morel, once viewed as an emerging middle-of-the-order threat during his time in Chicago, struggled significantly after joining Miami on a one-year, $2 million deal shortly before this season started. The Marlins ultimately decided to move on following a demotion to Triple-A and continued offensive regression that never stabilized.
Former Chicago Cubs Slugger Christopher Morel Cut After Demotion
“First baseman Christopher Morel’s stint in the Marlins organization is over,” Charlie Wright wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “After getting outrighted to Triple-A, Morel was released from the Jacksonville roster.”
The move likely closes the book on a short and disappointing tenure in Miami, where expectations centered around whether his power-first profile could translate into consistent production. Cubs fans will remember that Morel was a promising slugger shortly after his call up to the majors in 2022, logging 63 homers in his first three seasons.
But Morel’s declining performance at the plate played a central role in the Marlins’ decision to release him.
“Morel slashed .162/.219/.206 with an untenable 38.4% strikeout rate in 22 games with the Marlins,” Wright added. “While he typically punches out at a well-above-average rate, it usually comes with solid power, but he failed to homer in 73 plate appearances. He chased pitches outside of the strike zone at a career-worst 36.2% clip and compiled a brutal 33.9% called + swinging strike rate.”
That combination of whiffs and lack of power output made it difficult for Miami to justify continued playing time, even given his track record as a streaky but impactful hitter.
Chicago Cubs Disappointed By Former Slugger’s Decline
Morel’s career arc had previously included flashes of legitimate middle-order production.
“The 26-year-old Morel was expected to provide a power bat when the Marlins signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason,” the Associated Press noted. “Morel has 74 home runs, including a career-high 26 in 2023, over the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays.”
Instead of rediscovering that form in Miami, Morel’s struggles only intensified, culminating in his release and sending him back into free agency in search of another opportunity.