Old Friend Christopher Morel Could Be Fit for Cubs Bench

AP Photo/Erin Hooley The Tampa Bay Rays designated Christopher Morel for assignment on Tuesday, following a rather rough tenure for the 26-year-old in Florida. The utility outfielder was acquired from the Cubs at the trade deadline in 2024, along with Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, in exchange for Isaac Paredes. The Cubs then sent Paredes to Houston as part of the Kyle Tucker deal last winter.

Morel finished the 2024 season with a 50 OPS+ in 49 games with the Rays, hitting three home runs and driving in only nine runs. For the season, he slashed .196/.288/.346 with an 81 wRC+ and -1.0 fWAR. He saw some improvement in 2025, but still posted a 90 wRC+ and -0.1 fWAR over only 305 plate…