Morel hit his second home run in as many days and fourth of the spring in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Morel is only batting .244 in Cactus League action, though the power display has been impressive in 41 at-bats. The 23-year-old hit 16 home runs across 379 at-bats as a rookie last season but he again struggled to make consistent contact with a .235 batting average. Morel could be a utility option for the Cubs this year, and while the playing time might not always be there, his combination of power and speed could make him interesting at some point.

Morel went 0-for-2 with a walk while striking out twice Saturday in a Cactus League game against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Morel has gotten off to a rough start in Arizona, as the hitless game now has him slashing .216/.293/.418. The 23-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign with 16 home runs and a .741 OPS over 379 at-bats, but he is likely to serve in a utility role for the 2023 campaign and isn't expected to provide fantasy significance to begin the year.

Morel may be ticketed for a utility role off the bench in 2023 with the Cubs adding several new players in the offseason, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

With Eric Hosmer and Dansby Swanson added in the infield, and Cody Bellinger added in the outfield, Morel has no clear path to regular playing time in Chicago. He may have to settle for a reserve role with some occasional starts at DH, or get sent to Triple-A Iowa, where the promising 23-year-old would be able to get additional seasoning.

Morel is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Morel started the past five games and will receive a day off after he went 4-for-14 with two home runs, a double and five RBI during that span. Nelson Velazquez will man center field and bat ninth Sunday.

Morel went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Morel's fifth inning blast against Aaron Nola, his 16th of the season, sparked a four-run inning that led the Cubs to victory. The rookie has now gone deep in consecutive contests, and with seven games left this year, he has an outside shot at getting to 20 home runs. Morel looks primed for a big 2023 campaign as he figures to be a regular from Opening Day onward.

Morel went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Morel grooved a first pitch slider from Phillies ace Zack Wheeler 374 feet to right field for his 15th long ball of the season. It was just his second homer in September despite seeing fairly regular playing time this month. The long ball was timely as Morel is batting just .182 in 44 September at-bats with a 21:9 K:BB.

Morel is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Morel is hitting .120 over his past 11 games and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale. Patrick Wisdom will start at the hot corner and bat third.

Morel isn't starting Friday against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Morel is getting a breather after he went 1-for-5 with a double, two RBI, a run, two walks and three strikeouts over the last two games. David Bote will start at the hot corner and bat third.

Morel went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double and two RBI in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Morel batted ninth but still delivered a big hit, driving in two on his second-inning double, helping the Cubs to a 3-2 victory. The rookie continues to produce solid stats, as he now has a .738 OPS and 41 RBI across 103 games, to go along with 14 home runs and 10 stolen bases. Morel could be in for a breakout 2023 campaign if he's able to limit strikeouts and make more consistent contact, as he came into Thursday striking out 32.5 percent of the time this year.

Morel is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Morel homered and walked in Monday's contest, but that was not enough to earn him a spot in Tuesday's lineup. Morel owns a .590 OPS since the start of September, so even though the Cubs are out of the playoff hunt, he is getting a breather every few days.