Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that he wants Morel to concentrate on playing third base to begin spring training, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Counsell remains open to Morel's role changing over time but emphasized giving Morel consistency from the beginning of camp. Morel played just five games at third base last season, with most of his starts coming between DH, the outfield and second base. A move to third base for Morel would likely spell fewer at-bats for Nick Madrigal while opening the door for Matt Mervis or Michael Busch to see opportunities at DH.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell and general manager Carter Hawkins indicated Saturday that Morel will likely continue to be used in a super utility role rather than focusing on one position, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morel has made starts at every position other than first base and catcher during his two seasons in the majors, and he began working out at the former position during winter ball. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to master any spot yet and was used almost exclusively at designated hitter in the second half. As things currently stand, the Cubs would seem to have openings in center field and at third base (as well as DH), positions Morel has played plenty. However, the club doesn't appear anxious to keep Morel at one spot. The good news is Morel's bat should still be in the lineup plenty. He slashed .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs over 107 games in 2023.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Wednesday that Morel will play first base in winter ball, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morel has never appeared in a game at first base at any level of professional ball, but the Cubs are hoping that he might take well to the position and be an option for them there in 2024. The 24-year-old was primarily used at designated hitter down the stretch in 2023 because his defense anywhere in the field proved to be too unreliable.

Morel went 2-for-5 with a double, a solo home run and two runs scored in Saturday's win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Following up his 16-homer season as a rookie in 2022, Morel now has 26 home runs this year, and he's also boosted his batting average and OPS in his second MLB campaign. The 24-year-old has struck out more than 30% of the time in each of his first two seasons, however, which is something fantasy managers will want to see him improve upon moving forward.

Morel went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a triple and a run scored in Friday's loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Morel was productive from the No. 8 spot in the lineup, but the Cubs as a whole mustered only six hits and three runs in the defeat. The 24-year-old has recorded 44 extra-base hits among his 92 total hits this year, including 25 home runs, boosting his OPS to a solid .809. He should have a few more chances to contribute before the regular season wraps up.

Morel is absent from the lineup Thursday at Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Jeimer Candelario will serve as the Cubs' designated hitter with Miles Mastrobuoni playing third base. Morel, who also sat Wednesday, has gone 3-for-26 (.115) with seven strikeouts over his last seven games.

Morel is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Morel will sit Wednesday while stuck in a 3-for-26 slump, though he did hit two solo homers during that stretch. Jeimer Candelario (back) is starting at first base in his return from the injured list while Miles Mastrobuoni mans the hot corner.

Morel went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Morel is now up to 25 home runs this season, and he's been on a bit of a power surge recently, with five long balls over his last 11 games. However, the 24-year-old is batting just .217 during the stretch, which shows that he's often a boom or bust option in fantasy. Morel will need to cut down his strikeout rate, which is currently 31.4 percent, if he wants to make more consistent contact at the plate moving forward.

Morel is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Morel had started each of the last 10 games and homered four times during that span, but he'll take a seat for this one as the Cubs open up a weekend series against Colorado. Jared Young is in the designated hitter spot.

Morel went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 13-7 loss to the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Morel is now up to 24 home runs after hitting 16 long balls as a rookie last season. While it's a solid total, the 24-year-old did hit nine of them in his first 12 games of the year. Since then, Morel has 15 home runs in 89 games. For fantasy purposes, the youngster has been a good player to use during a hot streak, though he's still looking for more consistency at the plate, and he'll need to cut down on the strikeouts moving forward.