The New York Mets are still searching for potential upside pieces, signing former major leaguer Christopher Morel to a minor league contract on Tuesday.
The move resembles previous low-risk attempts such as bringing in MJ Melendez, with the Mets hoping Morel can rediscover some of the power that once made him an intriguing young player.
Morel enjoyed success early in his career with the Chicago Cubs, showcasing significant home-run potential. However, his production has been overshadowed by high strikeout totals, inconsistent defense, and a low batting average.
He will report to Triple-A Syracuse, where New York will evaluate whether he can regain his form. Since he is out of minor league options, any opportunity with the Mets could be short-lived unless he shows dramatic improvement.
The signing also revived memories of a notable trade rumor from after the 2023 season, when the Cubs reportedly viewed Morel as a centerpiece in a potential package for Pete Alonso. Looking back, the Mets appear fortunate that no deal materialized.
At the time, Morel was coming off a breakout 2023 campaign in which he hit .247 with 26 home runs and 70 RBIs. But his career quickly took a downturn.
After struggling with the Cubs in 2024, he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays in the trade that brought Isaac Paredes to Chicago.
Since then, Morel has posted a .201/.283/.351 slash line over three seasons while compiling a negative WAR and striking out at an alarming rate.
Most recently, Morel spent time with the Miami Marlins, where he batted just .161 without hitting a home run in 73 plate appearances before being released.
Now 27 years old, he finds himself at a pivotal stage of his career, hoping a fresh opportunity with the Mets can help revive his once-promising major league trajectory.
