Mets Add Versatility
Mets Promote Versatile Christopher Morel From Triple-A Ahead of Padres Series
Key Points
Morel has demonstrated unusual defensive versatility, having played every position except catcher over five MLB seasons, and the Mets envision using him at first base to form a lefty-friendly platoon with Jared Young.
Gabriel Arias was designated for assignment after a brief Mets stint, going 0-for-5 in two appearances and posting a season OPS of 0.645; the team had acquired him off waivers from the Guardians on Aug. 7.
Morel’s mix of power and speed is well-documented from prior MLB seasons: 16 homers and 10 stolen bases as a Cubs rookie in 2022, followed by 26 homers in 2023 before a downward turn in 2024 (.196) and a rough 11-for-68 showing with the Rays, then DFA’d by the Marlins.
Morel joined the Mets on a minor-league deal on July 1 and has since hit .321/.382/.716 with 12 homers in 31 Triple-A Syracuse games, underscoring the team’s belief he can provide depth at multiple spots and potentially contribute against left-handed pitching.
The New York Mets called up Christopher Morel from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres, according to Newsweek. The 27-year-old hit .321/.382/.716 with 12 home runs in just 31 minor-league games this summer, earning his shot back in the big leagues.
To make room, the Mets designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment, per AM New York. Arias went 0-for-5 in two appearances after New York picked him up off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 7.
Morel's Hot Summer Earns a Second Chance
Morel signed with the Mets on a minor-league deal on July 1, per AM New York. He made the most of it. Over 31 games with Triple-A Syracuse, he posted a .716 slugging percentage and hit 12 home runs. That kind of power got the organization's attention fast.
His MLB track record is a rollercoaster. He hit 16 homers and stole 10 bases as a Cubs rookie in 2022. He followed that with 26 homers in 2023. Then things fell apart. He batted .196 in 2024, went 11-for-68 with the Rays, and was released by the Marlins before landing in New York's system, according to Head Topics.
Morel Could Start a First-Base Platoon With Jared Young
The Mets plan to use Morel at first base alongside Jared Young, according to Head Topics. The idea is a platoon setup — Morel against left-handed pitchers, Young against righties. Morel gives the team a right-handed bat with real power in that spot.
Versatility is Morel's biggest selling point. He has played every position except catcher across five MLB seasons, per Idaho Statesman. The Mets see him as a Swiss Army knife — someone who can plug into the lineup or the field wherever needed in September.
Arias Gone, Mauricio Still Waiting in the Wings
Gabriel Arias had a rough two-game run in New York. He went 0-for-5 at the plate and finished the 2025 season with an OPS of just .645, according to Newsweek. The Mets quickly moved on, designating him for assignment to clear the roster spot for Morel.
Arias now heads to waivers, where another team could claim him. Meanwhile, infield prospect Ronny Mauricio remains in the wings, per AM New York. His path to the big-league roster may open depending on how Morel performs and how the Mets manage their September depth.
Mets Playing Long Odds Despite a Hot Stretch
New York has won nine of 12 games since the trade deadline. That is an encouraging run. But the Mets still sit 11 games behind the final NL wild-card spot, making a postseason run nearly impossible, according to Newsweek.
Moves like the Morel call-up reflect that reality. The team is using September to find out what it has. Morel gets a chance to prove 2024 was a fluke. The Mets get a versatile, power-hitting option at almost no cost. It is a low-risk bet with potential upside heading into the offseason.
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