MLB.com predicts Rays slugging outfielder will be among most improved players in 2025

When Christopher Morel arrived in Tampa Bay, the Rays were instantly able to witness the great power potential he possessed. In the utility-man's first game in Tampa Bay blue, he sent a rocket shot 420 feet over the wall in left center. It was a welcomed sight for a Rays front office that was looking forward to the fruits that would come from a trade that saw them lose their only 2024 All-Star, Isaac Paredes.

Despite the fantastic start to his journey with the Rays, Morel actually faltered for most of the 2024 season, as he finished with a negative WAR for the first time in his career. Over 152 games, the 25-year old slashed .196/.288/.346, which were all career-lows.

MLB.com saw Morel's stat line as an easy candidate for a 2025 improvement. Does that mean he will suddenly become an All-Star? Not necessarily. However, the Dominican outfielder is bound to bounce back from an improbable 2024 campaign. Playing the entire season with one team will probably aid in this development, as well as an overall boost in offense from the Rays.

According to MLB.com writer, Thomas Harrigan, Morel was one of the unluckiest players in the league a season ago. This was evident from his .233 average on balls in play. The average for this statistic across the league last year was around .300, so that unfortunate number will most likely increase merely due to probability.

Also, the hard-hitting righty is projected to produce a career-high 1.4 WAR next year, as he hopefully takes on an everyday role for the Rays. With the Chicago Cubs, Morel was primarily a backup behind third baseman Patrick Wisdom, as he only appeared in 220 contests from 2022-2023. The combination of more playing time and some extra confidence as a result will help this 5'11 slugger tremendously.

Steamer projects that Christopher Morel will produce a .228/.309/.423 slash line with 21 home runs and 61 RBIs. This projection site is also acting conservatively with an estimation of 118 games played for the 2025 Morel.

RaysColoredGlasses is going to forecast a more plentiful year for the Rays left fielder. We predict that Morel will slash .243/.315/.450 with 30 home runs and 78 RBIs in 135 games. This Tampa Bay offense is in desperate need of a breakout performance and they're going to get one from Christopher Morel.