Spring training games are officially underway.
The Los Angeles Dodgers demolished the San Diego Padres, 14-1, in the first official spring game on Thursday.
For Friday, fans have multiple options to choose from.
The Chicago Cubs are playing the Chicago White Sox, and Christopher Morel didn’t waste much time letting the league know that he intends to keep mashing.
Talkin’ Baseball posted a clip with his huge home run from Friday, against veteran Jesse Chavez.
Christopher Morel WAY GONE pic.twitter.com/T42RmKo30X
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 23, 2024
Whether the Cubs can re-sign Cody Bellinger or not (or another top hitter like J.D. Martinez or Matt Chapman), Morel is expected to be a huge part of their lineup.
He might be streaky and prone to strikeouts, having fanned 133 times last year in just 107 games.
However, there is no denying he hits the ball harder than the vast majority of his peers.
In those 107 games, he homered 26 times and doubled 17 more, plus three triples.
There is a lot of pop on his bat and pitchers know it.
If he stays healthy and plays something close to 150 games, he might have a chance at reaching 35-40 long balls.
It might not always be pretty, as his .247 average and .313 on-base percentage indicate, but he will get the job done in the power department.
Chicago, once more, will try to make the playoffs: they were at the doorstep last year and ultimately fell short.
They have a new manager in Craig Counsell, some new pitchers, and Morel, all ready to rock.
If they manage to re-sign Bellinger, they could be NL Central favorites.
The post Young Cubs Slugger Gives Fans An Early Spring Highlight appeared first on The Cold Wire.