As the Cubs embark on a new campaign with a new manager (Craig Counsell) at the helm, we answer 24 of the most pressing questions for the 2024 season.

MESA, Ariz. — Craig Counsell refuses to look at Opening Day as a final exam or end date.

So, when considering Christopher Morel’s play at third base, don’t expect Counsell to pivot off him if he doesn’t look ready. It’ll be an ongoing evaluation throughout the season.

“That’s how I’m looking at it,” Counsell said. “I’m looking at this as we’re making decisions for 162 games.”

While Morel may not necessarily be the best defensive third baseman the Cubs have on Opening Day, Counsell and the Cubs know his offensive production and skillset more than make up for it — and over a full season, it’s the best thing for Morel to be the everyday third baseman.

His ability to provide instant offense is crucial. After starting last season in the minor leagues, he still tied for the team lead in home runs and has shown the potential to carry the offense. His average exit velocity, barrel percentage and hard-hit percentage all ranked in the Top 10 percentile of major league hitters.

“He’s got instant game-changing swings that can really change a game and a season as we saw last year,” Nico Hoerner said.

Morel’s defense has always been the concern, though. He’s been able to float around the diamond, but never settled into a home defensively. In 2022 while playing 141.1 innings at third base, he was a -4 Outs Above Average defender.

The hope is that everyday reps and time at third base in spring can help him develop into a reliable defender at the hot corner.

“I try to see it like I have to still show them that I can play it and see it as a challenge,” Morel said earlier in spring. “Just like they are giving me an opportunity, I’m going to show them that I can play it.”

So far, in spring, it’s been a mixed bag. He’s made some stellar defensive plays but has 3 errors and a .842 fielding percentage.

Counsell has stressed the full season, not just Opening Day. That’s key for Morel at third base. Don’t expect the Cubs to drop Morel from the hot corner after the first error or mistake. Morel will have his runway, with Counsell knowing his overall impact to the team.

If, though, later in the season, Counsell and the Cubs continue to see struggles, then they’ll reassess while still finding a way to keep his bat in the lineup (assuming he continues to hit).

“We want to win the first game, but you’re making decisions for 162 games and you’re striking a balance between those two things,” Counsell said. “Every day you’re striking a balance between today’s game and the next stretch of games and August and September.

“You’re always kind of in that mode of making decisions for all three of those things.”

24 for ’24 series

What are the Cubs expecting from Kyle Hendricks in 2024 and beyond?
What role will Drew Smyly fill on the 2024 Cubs?
How will Jameson Taillon fare in Year 2 with Cubs?
How will Shota Imanaga handle the adjustment to MLB?
Who will DH for the Cubs?
Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
Will defense once again be the Cubs’ strength?
Can Seiya Suzuki pick up where he left off? 
What are the Cubs’ long-term plans at first base?
Have the Cubs done enough to address their left-handed hitting?
Will Justin Steele replicate his stellar 2023 season?
When will Pete Crow-Armstrong be up with the Cubs in Chicago?
Will Adbert Alzolay be Cubs’ closer again?
Who will hit leadoff?