Cubs View Young Star's Lack Of Defensive Position As Positive For Club

Without the Chicago Cubs knowing the best defensive position for their young star, they are expected to use him at multiple positions during the 2024 season to provide versatility.

There were plenty of young players that shined for the Chicago Cubs last year as their replenished farm system has started to produce players ready for Major League Baseball.

Justin Steele emerged as a NL Cy Young contender in his third season, rookies Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks look like future rotation staples and Nico Hoerner has emerged as a franchise piece for the Cubs.

Their young slugger Christopher Morel also burst onto the scene during his second season in Chicago.

Primarily used as a designated hitter in 2023, he put together a slash line of .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs and 70 RBI. This prompted their new manager, Craig Counsell, to say, "He's earned his way into a lineup, there's no question about that" at the Winter Meetings.

One area of concern surrounding Morel is his lack of position on defense.

The Cubs want solid defenders across their infield and his poor fielding percentage prevented him from being slotted into an everyday role that didn't focus on just hitting.

But, Counsell thinks that this could actually be a positive for Chicago instead of a negative that has previously been stated about his lack of singular position.

"Positional versatility creates a good floor for your team. So that when things inevitably happen to your team during the season, you're choosing from better options than just one option. That's where the players that have defensive versatility are incredibly valuable players," he said.

Morel played all over the diamond in 2023 as they searched for his best fit.

He played 16 games at second base, 10 in center field, seven in right, four at third base and left field and one at shortstop.

Unfortunately, he posted negative defensive numbers at every single position besides second base, where Nico Hoerner will likely be playing throughout his tenure with the Cubs.

Morel continues to work at multiple positions in the Dominican Winter League, but is primarily being played at third base.

Still, Counsell views his ability to be slotted across the diamond as a positive for the team, but knows they'll need to figure out his primary role at some time.

"I see that as a really good thing. The positional part, we're going to have to figure that out. And that's going to be part of the challenge of Spring Training," he said.

This situation will be one to monitor as it looks like Chicago view Morel as a major piece of this roster.