In their first significant move of the offseason, the Marlins signed Tampa Bay free agent infielder/outfielder Christopher Morel to a one-year contract in the “low millions” on Friday, according to a source.
Morel has never played first base, but the Marlins plan to use him there. The right-handed hitter has played only third base, the outfield and designated hitter during his four-year career, but the Marlins believe he has the defensive acumen to join the competition at first base.
The Marlins also have Eric Wagaman and catcher Liam Hicks at first base and plan to give outfielder Griffin Conine some reps at first base in spring training, manager Clayton McCullough said. The Marlins also have considered using outfielder Heriberto Hernandez at first.
The Marlins believe power-hitting first base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos needs more time in the minors, a source said.
Morel, 26, has never hit consistently for average in the big leagues; he has a career .222 average and .289 on base average. But he has hit for power, producing 74 homers and 210 RBI in 477 games.
The Marlins view this as a low risk/high reward signing. He would be under team control for three years if the Marlins tender him after the 2026 season.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Morel signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2015 and played the first 2 1/2 seasons of his career with the Cubs, then was traded to Tampa Bay in July 2024. He hit .196 for the Cubs and Rays in 2024, which was the worst average in the big leagues that season.
Morel played 105 games for Tampa last season, when he hit .219 with a .289 on base percentage, 11 homers and 33 RBI. The Rays did not tender him after the season.
The Marlins signaled two months ago that they planned to increase payroll, and that was reported by numerous outlets. But a source said last week that while the payroll will increase some, a significant payroll increase would not happen.
The Marlins would like to add another established hitter, but it’s more likely to come in the trade market than free agency, according to a source. The Marlins are open to trading a pitcher, with Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers among those generating interest in the trade market.
The team also intends to sign a relief pitcher.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM.
Barry Jackson
Miami Herald
Barry Jackson has written for the Miami Herald since 1986 and has written the Florida Sports Buzz column since 2002.
