How can you not love Christopher Morel? The 24-year-old slugger was unfortunately unable to make it to this year's Cubs Convention, but he still made time to introduce and meet with the new Cubs international free agents from the Dominican Republic.
The 2024 international free agent signing period officially opened up on Monday and that's when we saw most of the major agreements for the year. The Cubs signed 10 players, including nine from the Dominican Republic and Morel was there with a giant smile on his face, as he welcomed the newest members of the Cubs organization.
Morel was an international free agent signing himself in 2015, when the Cubs inked him to a deal. Morel played in rookie ball in 2017 and 2018, before getting to Single-A ball in 2019. At first, Morel wasn't seen as a top prospect, but he eventually made progress and after a dominant stint at Double-A to begin the 2022 season, he was called up to the big leagues by the Cubs in May of 2022.
Although Morel has not been able to lockdown a defensive position at the major league level in his two seasons with the Cubs, he's certainly proven to be a legit power bat in the lineup. In 2023, Morel played in 107 games and hit 26 home runs in 429 plate appearances, recording a 119 wRC+, up from a 108 wRC+ during his rookie year.
A great mentor to have for those guys coming out of the Dominican Republic. This year's international free agent class of the Cubs is headlined by shortstop Fernando Cruz, who MLB ranked as the No. 4 international prospect this year.
Cruz reportedly signed for $4 million, which is now the biggest signing bonus for an international free agent in Cubs history.
Right-handed pitcher Yander Maria has also received some attention from baseball analysts and was listed as a breakout candidate according to Baseball America.
Here are the 10 players the Cubs have signed so far during the 2024 international free agent signing period.
Fernando Cruz, SS, Dominican Republic
Robin Ortiz, OF, Dominican Republic
Yander Maria, RHP, Dominican Republic
Diego Gonzalez, C, Venezuela
Frailin Alejo, RHP, Dominican Republic
Juan Monso, SS, Dominican Republic
Ezequiel Peña, SS, Dominican Republic
Enyel Rosario, SS, Dominican Republic
Edgardo de Leon, SS, Dominican Republic
Julian Duran, RHP, Dominican Republic
The Cubs have a total of $5,152,200 in their pool of IFA signing bonus money. As you can see, Cruz's $4 million will be taking up most of the available funds this signing period.
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