Mets to sign former Cubs and Rays standout slugger to new contract

2 hours ago 3

With the New York Mets still struggling to get much of anything going this season, it's getting to the point where the Mets should seriously consider selling this season by the August 3 trade deadline.

But that doesn't mean the Mets can't add to their roster in hopes of finding pieces for the future. If they sell, there will be open roster spots, and using those on intriguing players who might not otherwise have an MLB roster spot would be a smart move.

That's one reason for their most recent addition. As Will Sammon of The Athletic reports, the Mets are signing former Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays standout slugger Christopher Morel to a new contract.

Mets to sign Christopher Morel to a new contract

"The Mets and Christopher Morel are in agreement on a minor-league deal, league sources tell The Athletic," Sammon reports. "The deal contains multiple opt-outs for Morel, who will report to Triple-A Syracuse."

Morel is a 27-year-old outfielder who also has experience playing in the infield. In his Major League career, which began back in 2022 with the Cubs, he's played in 499 games.

In that time, he's put up 1.1 bWAR with 362 hits, 66 doubles, 74 homers, 10 triples, 211 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and a .220 batting average with a .702 OPS.

MORE: Mets have eight projected trade chips, but only half, including Freddy Peralta, might be sought-after

Those aren't terrible numbers, but considering his production this season with the Miami Marlins in 22 games and 68 at-bats, with -0.5 bWAR, a .162 batting average, and a .425 OPS, it makes sense why he was a free agent able to sign with the Mets.

Morel won't be joining the big league roster right away, as he's going to head to Triple-A Syracuse for a bit before he makes a bid for the MLB roster.

With the opt-outs in the contract, as Sammon reports, it appears likely Morel will either be up in the Majors relatively soon or he'll opt out and hit free agency in pursuit of another MLB roster spot.

But, for now, Morel has joined the Mets organization and will be factoring into the team's potential plans in the outfield, at first base, or at designated hitter.