Mets Promote Former 26 Home Run Hitter Ahead of Padres Series
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Mets Promote Former 26 Home Run Hitter Ahead of Padres Series
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Interim manager Andy Green #70 of the New York Mets (C) looks on from the dugout during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies alongside bench coach Kai Correa #50 (L) and third base coach Tim Leiper #63 (R) at Citi Field on June 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) Getty
Toran Flores
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 19: Christopher Morel #5 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at loanDepot park on May 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) Getty
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 8: Gabriel Arias #25 of the New York Mets throws during batting practice before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on August 8, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) Getty
The New York Mets were able to complete a series sweep over the Washington Nationals over the weekend. They will look to carry that momentum into a series against the San Diego Padres.
Ahead of the matchup on Monday, the Mets announced a roster move.
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New York designated utility infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment. In a corresponding move, the Mets promoted 27-year-old first baseman Christopher Morel, the team announced.
More Information on Christopher Morel
Christopher Morel
GettyThe New York Mets are taking a chance on struggling 1B Christopher Morel. The Mets selected Morel to the Major League roster on Monday ahead of their series against the San Diego Padres. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The New York Mets signed first baseman Christopher Morel to aminor league dealin late June after the 27-year-old was released by theMiami Marlins.
The hard-hitting threat has 20-home-run potential despite a struggling season in 2026. Morel hit for 26 home runs with theChicago Cubsin 2023 and would go on for another 21 home runs in 2024 with the Cubs andTampa Bay Rays.
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Morel has struggled at the plate over the past two seasons, hitting .219/.289/.396 across 205 games with the Rays in 2025. He would go on to sign aone-year, $2 million dealwith the Marlins last winter.
He's spent majority of his time in the minor leagues this season, but has appeared in 22 games with the Marlins before gettingDFA'don June 21.
Through 22 major league games this season, Morel is hitting .162/.219/.206 with one RBI and one stolen base.
His next opportunity in the majors will be with the Mets after the team promoted him on Monday.
Why Did the Mets DFA Gabriel Arias?
Gabriel Arias
GettyUtility infielder Gabriel Arias was designated for assignment by the New York Mets on Monday. He was out of minor league options, leading to the Mets' decision. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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New York decided to move designate utility infielder Gabriel Arias to promote Christopher Morel on Monday.
Arias, 26, wasacquiredby the Mets after theCleveland GuardiansDFA'd him earlier in August. After joining the Mets, Arias was out of minor league options. He had to remain on New York's active roster or be "subject to waivers again," wroteESPN.
His inability to get demoted to the minor leagues may have played a role in him getting designated for assignment.
Across 44 games with the Guardians and Mets this season, Arias is hitting .235/.273/.371 with five home runs, 11 RBI, and four stolen bases.
