Christopher Morel’s slow spring is raising concerns for the Marlins, as his offensive struggles continue a troubling multi-year trend.
The Miami Marlins did not make many headline-grabbing moves this offseason, but their decision to bring in Christopher Morel was intended to address a very real issue: a lack of power.
Instead, early spring-training results suggest that gamble already may be going sideways.
Morel arrived in Miami as a buy-low candidate with potential upside. After hitting 26 home runs with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, he appeared to be one of baseball's most intriguing young power hitters just a few years before. The Marlins, desperate for offense after finishing near the bottom of the league in home runs, hoped that a change of scenery and a move to first base would rekindle that version of him.
So far, that has not happened.
Morel has struggled at the plate in Grapefruit League play, batting .147/.211/.206 with 12 strikeouts in only 13 games. Spring statistics don't always tell the whole story, but in this case, they highlight a much larger issue.
This isn't a one-time slump; it's part of a long-term decline.
Morel hit only .196 in 2024 despite 21 home runs, with swing-and-miss issues becoming a defining feature of his profile. That trend worsened in 2025, when his power dropped to 11 home runs, and his on-base percentage remained low. Instead of showing signs of improvement or development this spring, he appears to be the same hitter -- one with loud tools but limited results.
A player trying to learn a new position while also reestablishing himself offensively is a risky combination.
From a roster-building standpoint, the Marlins' decision to invest even modestly in Morel is beginning to appear questionable. The $2 million commitment isn't crippling, but the opportunity cost could be.
Miami could have pursued more consistent offensive options or engaged in internal competition earlier. Instead, they gave Morel a clear path to first base, which he hasn't taken advantage of.
The lack of momentum in this situation is particularly concerning. Players coming off down seasons frequently use spring as a reset. Morel has done the opposite, carrying his struggles into a new environment with no visible changes.
Despite a lack of proven alternatives, the Marlins may still break camp with him as their starting first baseman. However, if this version of Morel continues into the regular season, Miami may quickly find itself searching for answers in a position it thought it had addressed.
If that happens, this offseason gamble will not only appear risky, but also as a missed opportunity.
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