The New York Mets have signed utility player Christopher Morel to a minor league deal, with the hopes of revitalizing his career. The agreement was confirmed Tuesday by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Morel, who recently turned 27, was designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins and has struggled to replicate his early career success with the Cubs.
The deal includes multiple opt-out clauses, and Morel is expected to report to Triple-A Syracuse. He previously played for the Cubs, where he hit 42 combined home runs and drove in 117 runs between 2022 and 2023. Despite inconsistencies, he was considered a developing prospect for the rebuilding Cubs.
Morel's 2024 season began poorly, with a .199 batting average and 18 home runs. The Cubs traded him to the Rays in exchange for Isaac Paredes, but he failed to find his footing there. His power output declined, and he hit .219 in 2025 before being designated for assignment. After becoming a free agent, Morel signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Marlins, playing in 22 games and hitting .162 with one home run before his release on June 26.
Given the opt-out clauses in his new contract, Morel may be nearing a return to the major leagues or will become a free agent again. He has experience playing both infield and outfield. With the Mets' outfield currently considered a strength, his infield capabilities might be more likely to be utilized. The Mets are currently 35-50, having lost nine of their last 10 games.