The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday, adding to a bullpen that needs a significant overhaul. Cleveland’s return in the Morgan trade is Alfonsin Rosario from Chicago’s Myrtle Beach affiliate, according to a release from the team. In a corresponding move, infielder Patrick Wisdom was designated for assignment.
Can confirm @JeffPassan report that Cubs have acquired RH reliever Eli Morgan from Cleveland. Morgan isn’t a power arm, but a solid middle relief arm. Well-rounded arsenal, strong change.
Won’t wow you, but gets the job done and can do multi-inning stints. A-ball player is return— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) November 20, 2024Morgan emerged as a key piece in Cleveland’s dominating bullpen this past season, posting a 1. 93 ERA in 32 appearances for a 92-win team.
He isn’t a power arm, but he has a well-rounded arsenal, a strong changeup and the ability to pitch multiple innings as a reliever. The right-hander is projected to earn $1 million next season through the arbitration system, according to estimates from MLB Trade Rumors. He’s currently under club control through 2027.
Morgan, 28, was selected by Cleveland in the eighth round of the 2017 draft out of Gonzaga University. Long known as a pitching-focused organization, Cleveland gave him 18 starts (5. 34 ERA) in 2021 before eventually moving him to the bullpen.
The Cubs entered the offseason knowing they needed to add more stability to their bullpen. Though that group improved over the course of last season, there were too many question marks and blown saves early. And there are no guarantees that the individual success stories will continue next year because relievers’ performances are so volatile.
AdvertisementThe club’s chief decision-makers — a small group that includes Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins and Craig Counsell — do not view spending huge amounts of money on relievers as an efficient use of resources. While the front office may be more willing to make bigger investments in the bullpen this winter, the primary strategy will be adding volume and giving Counsell more options. (Photo: Nick Cammett / Getty Images)This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
