I mean at this point, who the fuck knows what’s happening, what to believe, who to believe and so on, but apparently Christopher Morel’s name has popped up in trade rumors with the Tampa Bay Rays according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. What makes absolutely no sense is that the MLB insider only referenced right-handed starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
Morel, who won’t be 25-years-old until the middle of the 2024 season, has posted a 114 wRC+ in his first two seasons in the big leagues. In 2023, Morel hammered 26 home runs, recorded a 119 wRC+ and posted an .821 OPS. The right-handed hitter doesn’t hit arbitration-eligible status for a couple more years and he’s not a free agent until 2029.
So, there is just no chance in hell the Cubs are even considering trading Morel for Glasnow, who is owed $25 million in 2024 and is set to become a free agent after the season.
If Morel’s name is being brought up, then the only conceivable thought is that he’d be part of a much bigger trade, a true blockbuster deal with the Rays.
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I’m spitballing here, but giving up Morel would have to end with the Cubs getting Glasnow plus a position player. Whether that’s Yandy Diaz to play first base, Randy Arozarena to add a power bat or Isaac Paredes to play third base, there’s just no other way of thinking about this.
Morel just for Glasnow? It wouldn’t matter if the Rays are paying for all of the pitcher’s 2024 salary, that would be downright stupid for the Cubs. So, maybe something bigger is in the works and the Cubs are going after one of Tampa Bay’s proven bats now that they are seemingly out on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.
And if it is simply the Rays asking for Morel in exchange for Glasnow, well then that’s a quick no from the Cubs.
Stay tuned.
