Mets Get Their Pop Back: Christopher Morel Called Up, Arias DFA'd

NEW YORK — The Mets just made a move that screams one thing: more pop, please. Christopher Morel is officially back in the big leagues, called up from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, and infielder Gabriel Arias was designated for assignment to clear the roster spot.

Morel's second act

The 27-year-old right-handed bat isn't just here to fill a uniform. Interim manager Andy Green confirmed Morel will start at first base Tuesday night against Padres left-hander Robbie Ray — a clear sign the Mets want his power in the lineup right now.

Morel has a pair of 20-homer seasons in the majors to his name, plus a career line of .220 with 74 home runs, 211 RBIs and a .702 OPS in 499 games across five seasons with the Cubs, Rays and Marlins. His time in Miami this season? Rough. He hit just .162 in 22 games before getting released on June 26.

But the Mets scooped him up on a minor league deal July 1, and he absolutely obliterated Triple-A: .309 with 12 homers, 29 RBIs and a 1.033 OPS in 35 games at Syracuse. That's how you earn a call-up.

Green, who knows Morel from his Chicago days, didn't mince words: "I had Christopher in Chicago. Absolutely love the guy. Infectious personality. Doing tremendously well in Triple-A for us. Love having him. He's a great person, great teammate, great competitor, so he's going to fit right in."

Bigger picture

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns also dropped some encouraging injury news: Juan Soto (left calf strain) and Devin Williams (right shoulder strain) are both still expected back this season. And despite the turmoil of a chaotic year, Stearns expects Green to return to a front-office role after the season.

New York entered Monday at 56-69, sitting in last place, but the vibes are shifting. The Mets have won nine of their last 12 and are 22-22 since Green took over as interim manager after Carlos Mendoza was fired on June 26 — even after sending out six pitchers and Tyrone Taylor around the trade deadline.

Green, 48, went 274-366 as Padres manager from 2016-19 and spent time as the Mets' SVP of baseball development before stepping into the dugout. Now, with Morel in the mix, this lineup has some serious thump. Buckle up.