Christopher Moral gets a leadoff shot
Say this for the Cubs, they’ve been prepared to experiment, particularly on the leadoff place. They haven’t used any batting order more than twice. Eight totally different gamers have taken the highest spot on this lineup, with Rafael Ortega getting the longest audition. Ortega’s been a flop for 2022, slashing .219/.317/.305, an OPS+ that’s 22 % beneath league common.
Possibly Christopher Morel can take a tragic tune and make it higher.
Morel’s began eight of the final 9 video games on the North Facet, getting work as a super-utility participant. He’s picked up begins at second base, shortstop, third base, middle discipline. And for the final three video games, he’s slotted first within the Chicago lineup.
You may’t take a lot from 37 plate appearances, however up to now, so good. Morel’s off to a .313/.405/.563 begin, with two homers and two steals. He’s walked 4 occasions. There’s a broad set of expertise right here. He is additionally one of many quickest gamers within the majors; take note of that 94th percentile sprint speed.
To be truthful, Morel, 22, wasn’t a prospect earlier than the 12 months. He was underwhelming within the minors final season (.223/.303/.427), although he did present class juice (18 homers, 18 steals). He’s at all times had a eager eye on the plate.
The Cubs began Morel in Double-A this 12 months, which underscored his non-prospect standing. However a .306/.380/.565 binge over 28 video games (seven homers) earned a double promotion, and now he’s carved out a bit of actual property with the massive membership.
Chicago’s offense appears considerably bland by way of the opening quarter of the 12 months. The staff is round league common in a number of stats — common, slugging, wRC+. The most effective case for a Morel pickup is his spot within the lineup and potential to fill a number of classes. There’s not precisely an undertow right here.
That mentioned, versatile gamers are our jam at Closing Time (Morel will ultimately qualify at a number of positions), and we wish to be early to any story that gives believable upside. The Cubs oddly do not play Friday, however then the schedule will get congested, with 11 video games within the subsequent 9 days.
Morel is rostered in a modest six % of Yahoo leagues. It is tire-kicking time.
