The Chicago Cubs need to call these 2 players up to the majors

The Chicago Cubs started off this season extremely hot, starting off the season at 11-6 and possessing one of the best run differentials in the MLB. They have since slowed down considerably, going 4-8 in the last 12 games.

They are beginning to see the reality of their situation, as a weak bullpen and inconsistency beyond their top players have led to more losses.

As the Cubs continue to see this phenomenon occur, they will likely want to make a change. Luckily, Chicago has two excellent prospects in their farm system that they can call up to reignite the offense, which has scored only 3.8 runs per game over the last 10 contests.

Christopher Morel and Matt Mervis have been fantastic this season in Triple-A ball and the Chicago Cubs have to call them up to the majors.

Christopher Morel was a mainstay in the Chicago Cubs lineup last season, playing in 113 games and recording 379 AB. The 23-year-old showed positional versatility in 2022, appearing in games at 2B, 3B, SS, LF, and CF. Morel showed his value as a utility player, but sometimes struggled at the plate. He showed solid power with 16 home runs and 47 RBI, but batted an inconsistent .235 average. Additionally, he struggled defensively, but this was mainly a result of being thrown around the field at such a young age and being unable to fully develop.

In 2023, the Chicago Cubs sent Morel to Iowa to play for their Triple-A affiliate, and gave him a few goals to work on during his time there. David Ross said the Cubs wanted Morel to have consistent playing time and not waste away on the bench, which was the reason for sending him to the minors.

It’s safe to say that he has made the most of his time in Iowa. Morel is batting .363/.463/.835 in 23 games this season, which is an unbelievable mark. He has 11 homers and 28 RBI in just 91 at-bats, which is good for a home run every 8.27 at-bats. For reference, Aaron Judge hit a homer every 9.19 ABs in his 62-home run season last year. This is obviously not a comparison between the two, but it shows how dominant Christopher Morel has been to start this season. He has shown tremendous power, including this bomb against the Louisville Bats.

The way Morel has played has warranted a call up to Chicago, and there will definitely be room for him to play. He could easily start at third base and slide Patrick Wisdom to 1B, which would then move aging Eric Hosmer out of the lineup. This would give the Cubs a chance to develop a young player rather than give reps to someone who is past his peak. Morel could also get starts in the outfield and even DH if necessary, as he gives so much versatility to the lineup as a utility player.

Morel’s teammate Matt Mervis has also been excellent this season, batting .296/.407/.580 in his first season at the Triple-A level. Mervis started his career in the Cubs organization in 2020 and was excellent last season, batting .309 while hitting 36 homers and 119 RBI across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A ball. This led the 25 year old to be named the Cubs 2022 Minor League Player of the Year. He had such an excellent minor league season that he may be forcing the Cubs to call him up. Mervis has so much power and did not fall victim to too many strikeouts, which is encouraging.

If he comes to the majors, Matt Mervis would be slotted at either first baseman or designated hitter, as this is where he is a natural fit. As mentioned before, the Cubs have room for improvement at first base with 33 year old Eric Hosmer and 31 year old Trey Mancini currently sharing the position. Mervis would bring a young, energetic presence to the squad if placed into the lineup, and he could develop into a star in the future.

With the way the Cubs are trending, as well as low expectations going into the season, it is likely that they will not be World Series contenders. Because of this, they cannot waste playing time on aging players, but give way to the younger prospects and allow them to develop. This will ensure that the Cubs will be set up well for the future, as Morel and Mervis have the potential to elevate the team significantly.