Cubs: 3 players who won’t be on the Opening Day roster

Christopher Morel will not be on the Cubs Opening Day roster

Christopher Morel has shown off plenty of power during spring ball, but that might not be enough to push the 23-year-old onto the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster. The team also has enough depth in the outfield to keep themselves afloat during the early-going.

Morel has hit just .244 in Cactus League games this spring, but still maintains an OPS of .911. That’s thanks in large part to his four home runs, six extra-base hits, and .585 slugging percentage. But one could make the argument that Morel needs more seasoning in the minors before becoming a regular in manager David Ross’ lineup.

Morel also doesn’t have a defined position just yet. He’s seen time all over the infield and the outfield this spring, and while it’s more than likely that Morel winds up in center field, the Cubbies have Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ, and Michael Tauchman ready to go for Opening Day.

The addition of Trey Mancini also gives Chicago someone who can play in right field and Patrick Wisdom is likely to see time on the outfield grass as well. In order to maximize Christopher Morel’s playing time, look for him to debut at Triple-A Iowa in 2023.