What Happened to Christopher Morel’s Power?

PORT CHARLOTTE — One of the deeper mysteries for the Rays coming out of last season was what happened to Christopher Morel’s ability to go deep.

The Power Surge

Power was a primary appeal when the Rays acquired Morel from the Cubs in a July deadline deal. He had hit 18 home runs over the first four months of 2024 and 60 in 1,275 plate appearances over 323 games in parts of three seasons with Chicago.

The Dropoff

But in 49 games and 190 plate appearances for the Rays, Morel hit only three homers. That’s a 1.6% ratio and an average of 10 per 162.

Searching for Answers

Rays hitting coach Chad Mottola suggested that Morel may have pressed too hard to contribute, leading to a drop in performance.

The Path Forward

The Rays are hopeful that Morel will bounce back in the upcoming season as he becomes more comfortable with the team and makes adjustments to his approach at the plate.

Looking Ahead

Morel is determined to improve and believes that with the support of his teammates and coaches, he can achieve success in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

As Christopher Morel prepares for the upcoming season with the Rays, there is optimism that he can rediscover his power at the plate and contribute to the team’s success.

FAQs

Q: What was the primary appeal of Christopher Morel when the Rays acquired him?

A: Power hitting, as he had hit 18 home runs in the first four months of 2024 with the Cubs.

Q: What are the Rays hoping for Morel in the upcoming season?

A: They are hoping he can bounce back and be more productive, focusing on playing leftfield and making adjustments at the plate.