Cubs giving Christopher Morel opportunity as their third baseman

MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- With the arrival of a new leader comes changes for the Cubs. Manager Craig Counsell has one in mind for super-utility player Christopher Morel.

Counsell is preparing Morel to be the Cubs’ third baseman heading into this season, breaking him off from his previous role playing all around the field.

“Christopher has done so much with the bat that it's our job to figure out how to deploy him,” Counsell said. “Yes, he can play a lot of positions, but they have to be played at a certain level. It is harder to play multiple positions. We have asked him to move around in the past. So, at the start of camp, we will focus on him playing third base.

"I look at Chris as a young player who has had a lot of early offensive success. We have to figure out positionally where he best fits. We don't have to decide today, but we hope to get some definition as to what we want him to do defensively. There is too much offense there for Chris to ignore that. I think finding a defensive position would help him.”

In 2023, the Cubs deployed several players at third base including Nick Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom, Jeimer Candelario, Miles Mastrobuoni and Morel. Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman remains available to sign, a move that would significantly change the Cubs’ current dynamic.

Morel, 24, hit .247 with 26 home runs and 70 RBIs in 107 games with the Cubs last season. In parts of two seasons in the majors, he has played second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field and designated hitter.

Last season, Morel primarily served as the Cubs’ designated hitter. But Counsell hopes to engage with him a different way and Morel is eager for this opportunity.

“Yes, for sure, I would like one position for the future,” Morel said. "You can be a better player when you play a position more. Baseball is a challenge. I want to be able to give my best. I hope they leave me in the field to help the team. But if they want me at DH, I need to play DH. Whatever they think is best.

"My goal is to find the pitch I really want in an at-bat and be more in control of what I swing at. I just want to get better each day. Last year was a great experience for me with the team getting so close to making the playoffs. Our goal is to win a championship."