Mets Sign Christopher Morel to Minor-League Deal

[Matthew Nethercott]

The New York Mets have signed infielder Christopher Morel to a minor-league contract, according to Will Salmon of The Athletic.

The Mets have optioned Morel to Triple-A Syracuse, but he could be an option to play first base, among other positions. The Mets have struggled to get production from the first base position, both offensively (posting a 77 WRC+, 29th in MLB) and defensively (-8 OAA, 28th in MLB). The 27-year-old slugger may not be a perfect solution for the latter problem, but he can help the former if all breaks right.

Morel has struggled offensively, not posting a positive fWAR since 2023, and his highest OPS since that season is .684, coming last year. Also, new Mets interim manager Andy Green was Morel's bench coach in 2022 and 2023 with the Cubs, when Morel was at his best. With the familiarity between the two, Green might be able to unlock something and get production offensively from the young slugger.

Morel struggled in 73 at-bats with the Marlins, posting a .425 OPS. Since being traded to the Rays in the Isaac Paredes deal with the Cubs, Morel has posted a .613 OPS in 519 at-bats, which is below league average.

He does have opt-outs in his deal if he never reaches the big leagues, but the Mets are searching for an answer, and Morel could provide that for a stretch.

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[seawolf17]

I don't see the point of this, with Clifford needing the ABs in Syracuse and Young "playing the lion's share" at first base in the bigs. But hey, sure. He was a prospect once.

[Cowtipper]

Will Salmon is something Angels fans used to ask a lot.

"Will Salmon come up big here?"

"Will Salmon hit 25 home runs this year?"