Cubs Trade for Eli Morgan

In a pivotal move that signals the Chicago Cubs' intent to bolster their bullpen, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and the front office have executed a trade that sees right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan join the team while the club bids farewell to longtime slugger Patrick Wisdom.

Details of the Trade

On Wednesday afternoon, the Cubs confirmed that they acquired Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. To accommodate Morgan, Wisdom, who has been a mainstay in the Cubs lineup, was designated for assignment.

Eli Morgan's Performance

Eli Morgan, 28, has proven to be a valuable asset during his time with the Guardians, featuring prominently in one of Major League Baseball's best bullpens in 2024. With an impressive 1.93 ERA over 42 innings and 34 strikeouts, Morgan not only limited opponents to a batting average of just .194, but he also maintained a stellar WHIP of 0.98. Over his career, he boasts a solid 3.23 ERA in 173 innings as a relief pitcher.

Pitching Style and Potential

Morgan operates with a diverse three-pitch repertoire that includes a fastball averaging 92.2 mph, a slider at 86.8 mph, and a changeup that sits around 78.9 mph. His fastball emerged as a dominant pitch last season, limiting opponents to a mere .176 average. As he enters the arbitration phase this offseason, the Cubs viewed Morgan as a prime opportunity to secure a competent reliever with significant upside—a prospect that Cleveland decided to part with.

Impact on the Cubs' Bullpen

For the Cubs, Morgan's addition could significantly enhance the team's bullpen depth for the 2025 season, particularly under the guidance of new manager Craig Counsell. With a promising bullpen that includes Morgan, Porter Hodge, Luke Little, and Nate Pearson, the Cubs have cultivated a group of intriguing young talents poised to make an impact.

Farewell to Patrick Wisdom

As for Patrick Wisdom, the 33-year-old slugger faced a tough path moving forward. After posting a less-than-stellar .629 OPS with just eight homers across 174 plate appearances in 2024, Wisdom's role diminished following the acquisitions of Michael Busch and Isaac Paredes. While he was a key offensive contributor in previous seasons—hitting 56 home runs from 2021 to 2023—his declining effectiveness against left-handed pitchers made him an unfortunate candidate for a non-tender ahead of the approaching deadline.

Rosario's Journey to Cleveland

The Cubs also parted with 20-year-old Alfonsin Rosario, a promising outfield prospect who had a breakout season at Low-A Myrtle Beach. Rosario, a sixth-round selection in the 2023 draft, showcased his power potential with 16 home runs, 18 doubles, four triples, and a .767 OPS last season. His move to Cleveland opens the door for the Cubs to potentially reshape their future while taking a calculated risk on a proven relief pitcher.

Looking Ahead

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Cubs’ further maneuvers and how they plan to leverage this transaction to strengthen their roster ahead of what many hope will be a resurgence for the franchise in 2025. Keep following for the latest updates on the Cubs' offseason strategy!