Not long after he was traded, Christopher Morel took to his Instagram, sharing a brief message on his reaction to the move.

“Right now, I can’t think or speak, tears are coming out, but my soul and my heart will always be in Chicago,” he wrote.

[MORE: Why the Cubs decided to move on from Christopher Morel]

A week later, Morel penned a message on his Instagram to the organization and fanbase that he had grown to love after joining in 2015 as an international free agent:

Honestly, I have no idea where to begin. There are so many things, so many moments of happiness and of processes that I have gone through with the organization that gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. From the moment in 2016 when the doctor told me that I wasn’t going to play the sport I love, and the Cubs organization did everything so I could return to play and enjoy everything I am doing. A simple thank you wouldn’t fill up how grateful I am with every single person that works in the Chicago Cubs. I first want to thank God for always taking care of me and giving me strength, to my family and the people that returned love and strength when I was alone: José Álvarez, Nick Frangella, Javier Guerrero and Alex Suarez. They were the people that were with me in the most difficult days of my life and am grateful with my soul. Thank you so much for feeding me, being there when I woke up after they had opened the wound on my arm and for always giving me the nourishing words. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you to the Chicago Cubs organization, staff, trainers, coaches all the personnel in Chicago for giving me all their love and above all to the great fans of the Cubs for their love and unconditional support. Many thanks for everything.

Love and Peace

The Cubs acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes from Tampa Bay for Morel and minor league pitchers Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge.