Cubs acquire RHP Eli Morgan from Guardians in exchange for #21 prospect Alfonsin Rosario
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Jed Hoyer was active on a Wednesday morning as the Cubs acquired Eli Morgan from the Guardians in exchange for #21 ranked Cubs prospect, Alfonsin Rosario.
The right-hander Eli Morgan posted great numbers with Cleveland in 2024, making 32 appearances while recording an ERA of 1.93. Morgan is joining a bullpen that had struggled to start the 2024 campaign but improved mightily down the stretch. Discovering young talent in Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and Jorge Lopez. As well as acquiring Nate Pearson at the deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The move came just a day after the Cubs DFA’d closer Adbert Alzolay, who struggled early on in 2024 before being shut down for the year after undergoing Tommy-John surgery.
My Thoughts:
I am thrilled that Jed Hoyer is addressing one of our biggest weaknesses on the team. Acquiring a great relief pitcher for only one prospect is a great trade for us, especially since Morgan still has three more years on his contract before he hits the open market. What I would like to see going forward is for Jed Hoyer to be looking into adding a left-handed pitcher or two to the bullpen after declining the player-option on Drew Smyly. The only LHP the Cubs have in the bullpen is Luke Little, who was solid in his rookie campaign before his season ended early with a shoulder injury.
Notable Cubs Relief Pitchers going forward:
Porter Hodge - RHP
Tyson Miller - RHP
Eli Morgan - RHP
Jorge Lopez - RHP
Luke Little - LHP
Nate Pearson - RHP
Keegan Thompson - RHP
Julian Merryweather - RHP
Other roster moves:
Adding #2 Prospect Owen Caissie to the 40-man
Adding #29 Prospect Ben Cowles to the 40-man
DFA’ing #27 Prospect Brennen Davis
DFA’ing 1B Patrick Wisdom
Non-Tendering OF Mike Tauchman
Non-Tendering - 3B/2B Nick Madrigal