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 expected to be an A-ball prospect from Chicago’s Myrtle Beach affiliate.
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, 2024
Morgan 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.
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. ESPN, which first reported the Morgan deal, identified Patrick Wisdom being designated for assignment as the Cubs’ corresponding move on the 40-man roster.
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.
(Photo: Nick Cammett / Getty Images)
