Christopher Morel Signs One-Year Deal with Marlins, Shifts to First Base

Christopher Morel signed a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins on Friday, as reported by Ken Rosenthal. The Marlins plan to utilize him at first base, a position he has not previously played. Morel, who posted an .821 OPS with 26 home runs in 429 plate appearances for the Cubs in 2023, has seen his OPS drop to .651 with a 35.7% strikeout rate in 2025 with the Rays. Despite this, he still makes loud contact (49.7% hard-hit rate, 14.8% barrel rate in 2025). Miami aims to help him reduce swing-and-miss. He will be arbitration-eligible in 2027 and 2028.