Fastball

Chicago Cubs' Slugger Surprisingly Breaks Team Record Because of His Defense

Christopher Morel of the Chicago Cubs is usually known for his slugging prowess at the plate, but on Monday night against the Diamondbacks, he was breaking team records with his defensive prowess.
Brady Farkas|
Apr 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel (5) fields a
Apr 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel (5) fields a | Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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Chicago Cubs

Usually Christopher Morel of the Chicago Cubs is doing damage with his bat, but on Monday, the slugger did some damage with his arm.

The 24-year-old slugger helped the Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-2, on Monday night and set a new record in modern Cubs history.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

95.6 mph here from Christopher Morel!

that’s the Cubs’ fastest-tracked assist by an infielder under Statcast (2015)

Sure, the Statcast Era isn't that long yet in history, but it's incredibly impressive to see Morel rare back with this kind of firepower. He's become the team's primary third baseman this season after previously not really having a position. The Cubs want his bat in the lineup, but after acquiring Michael Busch in the offseason from the Dodgers, first base wasn't really an option. Craig Counsell and his staff have committed to working with him at third, and thus far, it's paying off.

He also made two game-saving plays on Saturday night in Seattle to aid a Cubs win.

At the plate, Morel is actually out to a slow start, hitting just .222. He does have three home runs and 10 RBI. Lifetime, he's a .240 hitter with 45 homers, including a career-high 26 last year.

The Cubs will take on the Diamondbacks again on Tuesday night. First pitch from Chase Field is set for 9:40 p.m. ET as Kyle Hendriks (0-2, 12.08 ERA) will pitch against lefty Tommy Henry (0-1, 5.79 ERA).

The Cubs enter the matchup at 10-6 while the D'Backs are 8-9.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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