Former Cubs top prospect considered option for Tigers in MLB free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Outside of the Detroit Tigers going out and making a few big moves to try to land some of the top free agents on the market, although it still remains uncertain what the plans are on that front under Scott Harris, there are also a few players out there who could make sense as buy-low options.
Advertisement
As the Tigers found out in 2025, just because a young player has a few bad years, it doesn’t mean he can’t figure things out at the highest level.
That was evident with first baseman Spencer Torkelson, who proved once again in 2025 that he has a real opportunity to not only be a decent big-league player, but someone Detroit can rely on.
When searching for players who could also fit that mold, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press recently named Christopher Morel as an option, a 26-year-old who was recently non-tendered by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Advertisement
“Morel, who turns 27 in late June, has more upside than any non-tendered player, having topped 20 home runs in two of his four MLB seasons. Last season, he hit .219 with 11 homers, 25 walks and 109 strikeouts across 105 games, finishing with a .684 OPS.
“His game is defined by extremes. The weaknesses: too many whiffs and below-average defense. The strengths: big power and a solid walk rate. Morel needs to make more contact to reach his ceiling, but he makes good swing decisions, possesses elite bat speed and draws enough walks to remain dangerous – and he comes with three years of team control,” he wrote.
A few years ago, Morel was viewed as a very good player for the Chicago Cubs.
Advertisement
He certainly has a lot of swing-and-miss in his game, which is concerning at the highest level, but if he can eventually become what he was expected to be, it would be a worthwhile gamble.
More Tigers News: