Christopher Morel

Christopher Rafael Morel, born on June 24, 1999, is recognised in the world of professional baseball for his contribution as a third baseman. Currently affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays, a team in Major League Baseball (MLB), Morel has also been a part of the Chicago Cubs in the past. His career in the MLB commenced in 2015 as he signed on as an international free agent with the Chicago Cubs and made his debut in 2022.

Recalling his early accomplishments, on August 23, 2015, Morel signed up with the Cubs team associated with the Dominican Summer League in 2017. He participated in 61 games and achieved an exceptional record of .220/.332/.359, comprising of seven home runs, 40 runs batted in (RBI), 44 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. The following year, he spent the season with Low-A Eugene Emeralds and Rookie League AZL Cubs, participating in 54 games and maintaining an average of .216 with 44 hits, 8 doubles, and 3 home runs.

In 2019, Morel advanced towards A-level baseball with the South Bend Cubs. He demonstrated enhanced performance in 73 games, batting .284, with 73 hits, 15 doubles, 7 triples, and six home runs. However, his career faced a brief pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the cancellation of the minor league season. Nevertheless, Morel secured his position in the Cubs 40-man roster to safeguard himself from the Rule 5 draft on November 20, 2020. Following this, he proceeded towards the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, and the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2021. Here, he played an impressive set of 111 games, batting .223 with 90 hits, 18 doubles, 5 triples, and a record career-high of 18 home runs.

The following year, Morel launched the season with the Double-A Tennessee but soon received a promotion to the major leagues on May 17. The debut initiated his journey in the major leagues on this very day when he hit a home run in his very first career at-bat during a sweeping 7-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His rookie campaign with the Cubs included his participation in 113 games, where he created a brilliant record of .235/.308/.433 with 16 home runs, 47 runs batted in (RBI), and 10 stolen bases.

Despite news that spelled Morel’s future association with the Triple-A Iowa, he emerged as the first Cub in franchise history to record nine home runs within the first 12 games of a season on May 23, 2023. Across 107 games for the Cubs, he achieved an exceptional record of .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs, and 70 RBI.

In 2024, Morel showcased powerful performances in his 103 appearances for Chicago, achieving a record of .199/.302/.373 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI, and seven stolen bases. While he was instrumental for the team, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 28, 2024, along with Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, in exchange for Isaac Paredes.

Christopher Morel’s legacy extends beyond his individual achievements as his brother, Rafael, follows his footsteps in the world of baseball. Currently, Rafael is affiliated to the South Bend Cubs, contributing to the legacy of the Morel family in professional baseball.