REPOT: Cubs’ Craig Counsell drops ‘strange’ reaction to Christopher Morel’s in-game trade
Craig Counsell shares his true feelings about the midgame trade involving Christopher Morel. Major League Baseball is undeniably a business, a fact underscored by the 2024 MLB trade deadline. Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel was starkly reminded of this reality during a game against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday when he learned he was being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, along with Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson, for Isaac Paredes, during the third inning.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke openly about the surreal experience of witnessing Morel’s reaction to the trade news while Chicago was still playing the Royals, as reported by Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
“It’s always a little bit strange telling someone during the game that they’ve been traded,” said manager Craig Counsell. “It was certainly surprising and shocking to Chris. He’s provided Cubs fans with a lot of memories, for sure, even in his short time here.”
In what turned out to be Morel’s final plate appearance for the Cubs, he popped out at the top of the second inning after a four-pitch battle against Royals starter Cole Ragans. Morel was later replaced by Michael Busch, who scored a run and went 2-for-4 in Chicago’s 7-3 victory at Kauffman Stadium.
Christopher Morel had to say goodbye to his teammates after being traded to the Rays mid-game 😔 pic.twitter.com/0836bh7zky
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 28, 2024
In 323 appearances for the Cubs, Morel hit .228/.308/.439 with 60 home runs and 168 RBIs.
Fans react to Christopher Morel’s midgame trade from Cubs to Rays
Morel was beloved by fans, teammates, and coaches during his stint with the Cubs. Despite only arriving in the big leagues in 2022, he clearly made a tremendous impact on those around him, as evidenced by the reactions when it was announced he had been traded to the Rays.
Christopher Morel had to say goodbye to his teammates after being traded to the Rays mid-game 😔 pic.twitter.com/0836bh7zky
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 28, 2024
“This is quite disappointing. I wish they had been able to find a way to retain him. ☹️,” said @LordOyekunle.
“Sounds like the Cubs may have gotten the short end on this deal, judging by the responses,” chimed in @Pimpdaddy1974.