Young Star Players Of Phils Are set For The……

On paper, the Philadelphia Phillies look set in the outfield. It’s a strong group, even without Bryce Harper, who is now expected to be the Phillies’ first baseman. Nick Castellanos, Jake Cave, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas and Kyle Schwarber give the Phillies more than enough talent in the outfield — even if you subtract Schwarber, who is likely to continue as the Phillies’ everyday DH.

But that doesn’t mean you stop looking for talent or stop trying to get better, especially if there’s a team out there with a talented player that doesn’t really have a home. Enter Christopher Morel. The Chicago Cubs outfielder is two years into his MLB career and in spite of his raw power — he hit 26 home runs in 429 plate appearances last season — he doesn’t have a firm position with the Cubs. His best position is center field, which belongs to the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong. His best infield position is second base, where Nico Hoerner isn’t going anywhere.

The Cubs are entertaining the thought of playing him at first base in Spring Training. But they’re also reportedly interested in trading for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Last season Morel did more time at DH than in the field. Reportedly, if the Cubs move that direction Morel would be a part of the trade. The reason you deal for Morel is that power. In two MLB seasons he has 42 home runs. He’s a potential 30-home run player, especially if he can reduce his strikeouts. But the Phillies don’t have the room — at least at the moment. The Phillies shouldn’t rip up the offseason playbook to acquire Morel — who is under team control until 2029. But, if these two things happen, it’s worth considering.