Why is Cubs Utility Man Christopher Morel at Triple-A Iowa?

Despite putting together an impressive rookie season, Chicago Cubs utility man Christopher Morel did not begin the 2023 season on the Cubs' Opening Day roster and instead opened the year at Triple-A Iowa.

One of the lone bright spots in an otherwise forgettable 2022 Chicago Cubs season was the promise that 23-year-old rookie Christopher Morel showed in his 113 games at the Major League level, after he made his big league debut last spring.

Morel showcased his tools, hitting 16 home runs and 47 RBI, stealing 10 bases and playing five different positions, while bursting with energy and enthusiasm. The utility man quickly became a fan favorite at the Friendly Confines.

Morel slashed .235/.308/.741 last season and appeared to be a part of the club's plans for the future. Despite tying for the team-lead in home runs (4) and posting a .269 Batting Average and .910 OPS in the Cactus League this spring, Morel was sent back down to Triple-A Iowa to open the season, as Edwin Rios (.227/.333/.924) and Miles Mastrobouni (.300/.500/.850) edged him out for spots on the Cubs' Opening Day roster.

Back on the farm, Morel has picked up right where he left off in Triple-A, slashing .367/.513/1.179 with one home run, seven RBI and two stolen bases in eight games.

The Cubs are off to an impressive 5-4 start — 1.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central — despite hitting just seven total home runs this season. The Cubs are 27th in home runs through the season's first 12 days, and it doesn't appear that they will be putting the ball in the bleachers this season, the way that they have in year's past. Morel's bat might add some pop to the Cubs' lineup. He was on-pace for 23 home runs in 2022, had he played 162 games.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have had an opening in right field to begin the season. Second-year outfielder Seiya Suzuki opened the season on the Injured List, but is nearing a return, as he begins a rehab assignment in Triple-A.

In Suzuki's place, Trey Mancini has played three games in right field, where he has struggled defensively (-1 DRS). Mastrobuoni has played five games in right field, but has yet to offer the Cubs much at the plate (.176/.176/.412).

Morel's assignment to Triple-A is somewhat puzzling, given what he has shown he is capable of doing at the Major League level and the Cubs' temporary opening in right field. One would think that it's only a matter of time until he returns to the Cubs' big league roster.

Check out the latest episode of Jack Vita Show!

Subscribe to the Jack Vita Show on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Pandora | TuneIn | Listen Notes | Podtail | Podchaser | Hubhopper | Audio junkie | Himalaya | Podcast Addict | Available wherever podcasts are found.

For more from Jack Vita, follow him on Twitter @JackVitaShow, and subscribe to his podcast, the Jack Vita Show, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and wherever podcasts are found.