Cubs acquire reliever Eli Morgan from Cleveland
The Cubs have sent an outfield prospect to Cleveland for right-handed reliever Eli Morgan.
Morgan went 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 32 appearances last season for the AL Central champion Guardians, who had the best bullpen in the majors in 2024.
He became more trusted in big spots by manager Stephen Vogt as the season progressed after being slowed by shoulder and elbow issues. The right-hander had a string of 16 straight scoreless innings from Aug. 28 to Sept. 25.
Morgan also appeared in six postseason games — three against Detroit, three against the New York Yankees — and allowed two hits in four innings with six strikeouts.
The 28-year-old Morgan went 18-12 with a 3.97 ERA in 131 games over four seasons for Cleveland, which drafted him in the eighth round in 2017.
Rosario, 20, spent last season at Single-A Myrtle Beach. He batted .230 with 18 doubles, 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 109 games. Rosario also had 20 steals and scored 61 runs.
The Cubs drafted him in the sixth round in 2023.
To make room for Morgan on the 40-man roster, the Cubs had to part ways with slugger Patrick Wisdom, who was designated for assignment.
The Guardians have traded right-handed reliever Eli Morgan to the Cubs in exchange for minor league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario
The Cleveland Guardians traded a member of their strong bullpen on Wednesday, sending right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario.
Morgan finished last season with a 3-0 record and a 1.93 ERA in 32 appearances for the AL Central champions, who had the best bullpen in the majors in 2024.
As the season went on, manager Stephen Vogt trusted Morgan more in important situations, especially after he recovered from shoulder and elbow injuries. Morgan had a stretch of 16 consecutive scoreless innings from August 28 to September 25.
Morgan also pitched in six postseason games — three against Detroit and three against the New York Yankees — allowing two hits in four innings with six strikeouts.
The 28-year-old Morgan went 18-12 with a 3.97 ERA in 131 games over four seasons for Cleveland, which selected him in the eighth round of the 2017 draft.
Rosario, 20, played last season at Single-A Myrtle Beach. He hit .230 with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, and 73 RBIs in 109 games. Rosario also stole 20 bases and scored 61 runs.
The Cubs drafted him in the sixth round in 2023.
When the Chicago Cubs re-signed Cody Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million contract after the 2023 season, they had to be pleased with their investment. Bellinger put together an outstanding 2023 season, batting .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs and 20 stolen bases while proving versatile on defense. He collected National League Most Valuable Player votes after the season for the first time since he won the award outright in 2019.
