Cubs Young Slugger Has Case To Lead Majors in Home Runs
The Chicago Cubs had an offseason that didn't see them land an impact bat, which remains a major concern as they head into the 2024 season.
Cody Bellinger hasn't re-signed with the Cubs, nor has he signed with anyone else yet as the top free-agent bat remaining on the market continues to look for a home. Third baseman Jeimer Candelario left in free agency.
Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, and Seiya Suzuki will be the top threats in a Cubs lineup that could take a step back as currently constructed.
Morel may need to have a career-best season to help the Cubs, which would mean hitting more than the 26 home runs he clobbered last season.
The 24-year-old did that in just 107 games, which is a 39-home run pace over 162 games.
For Chicago to be the team they're looking to be, the pressure may on Morel to deliver.
MLB.com recently ranked the potential home run leaders for 2024 and included Morel as a candidate.
There are concerns as the Cubs head into the season offensively for more reasons than one. Not having Bellinger means the lineup has less protection than it did a year ago when Bellinger bounced back to become the NL Comeback Player of the Year.
Pitchers had to attack the zone when facing Suzuki, Morel, and Swanson because of Bellinger and, late in the season, Candelario. With the trio potentially surrounded by less threatening hitters, pitchers can work around the zone and throw to them differently.
Morel will likely have an adjustment period early on unless the Cubs land an elite hitter on the free agent market. Outside of Bellinger and Matt Chapman, there aren't many other hitters who fit that bill.
Still, Morel's raw power means he's a player to watch when it comes to the home run race this season.
