The Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays reached an agreement on Sunday afternoon, a surprise as All-Star Isaac Paredes is headed to the Windy City for a team currently not in the postseason race.
The bulk of the Cubs' package revolved around infielder Christopher Morel, the 25-year-old who is struggling this season but has shown tremendous potential in his first two years in the MLB.
However, when the trade was made, Morel was in the middle of a game against the visiting Kansas City Royals.
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Christopher Morel of the Chicago Cubs is shown during the game against the Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee on June 28, 2024. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Morel had only one at-bat as Chicago's designated hitter when he learned he was traded to Tampa Bay, along with two right-handed pitching prospects.
The game broadcast captured the moment Morel learned he had to head to the tunnel to pack his things for the upcoming trip to his new ballclub, but he didn't leave without saying emotional farewells to his teammates and coaches.
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Morel and third base coach Willie Harris celebrated his home run together before a long hug, with Harris appearing to have words of encouragement for his pupil as he patted his pupil on the chest.
Morel then had a quick celebration with first base coach and former MLB catcher Mike Napoli before walking down the tunnel.
With the MLB trade deadline two days away, there may be more instances like this where teams need to pull players in the middle of the game to send them elsewhere. It's a bittersweet feeling for many, as they've developed relationships with teammates and coaches, but that's the business.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel bats during a game against the Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee on June 29, 2024. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At least Morel's situation wasn't like that of then-New York Mets player Wilmer Flores, who was seen crying on the field after learning the team had traded him. However, the deal never came to fruition for Carlos Gomez, and Flores, a fan favorite, ended up staying with the team he had only known in the MLB until then.
Morel ended up posting on his Instagram Story after leaving the game, explaining how excited he was to be traded.
“I can't think or speak right now, tears are coming out, but my soul and heart will always be in Chicago, Philippians 4:13,” Morel wrote in the post along with a photo of him waving to the Wrigley Field crowd.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel is shown during the game against the Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee on June 28, 2024. (Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Morel is batting just .199/.302/.374 this year, though he has 18 homers and 51 RBIs in 102 games. Perhaps a different scenario with the Rays could see Morel reappear with the Cubs last year, when he finished with 26 homers and an .821 OPS.
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