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Christopher Morel 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Cubs Outfielder Looks To Continue Strong Play In Sophomore Campaign
2 years agoChicago Cubs' utilityman Christopher Morel exceeded expectations during his rookie campaign in 2022. Signed by Chicago as an international free agent in 2015, the 23-year-old made his debut with the club in May. Brought on as a pinch-hitter for Patrick Wisdom in the eighth inning, Morel hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, which capped off a 7-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was only up from there for Morel, who ended the year with 16 dingers and 47 RBI. He logged a .308 OBP and .741 OPS, along with 10 stolen bags and 38 walks. His performance eventually earned him a spot in the Cubs' everyday lineup, where he primarily played centerfield but appeared at 2B, 3B, SS, and even LF. One aspect of Morel's game that he really struggled with was the strikeout. He struck out 137 times, ranking in the fourth percentile in K% and first in Whiff%. An encouraging sign, however, was his ranking in the 88th percentile in Max Exit Velocity and 91st in Barrel %. ATC projects Morel's sophomore season to look something like this: .233/.300/.414, 16 HR, 51 RBI, 54 R, 11 SB. His ADP of 241 is just, but the Dominican outfielder could surprise some people in his second year. Morel is definitely someone to keep an eye on and should provide solid fantasy value at his current ADP.
