Cubs Trade For Shutdown Ex-Guardians Setup Hurler To Bolster Bullpen
November 20, 2024
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The Chicago Cubs are getting active early this offseason, making a trade to acquire a strong right-handed addition to their bullpen.
“The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN” announced Jeff Passan of ESPN in a tweet on Wednesday, “Morgan was 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA last season and has a 3.23 career ERA in 173 innings as a relief pitcher.”
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 12: Eli Morgan #49 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Five of the Division Series at Progressive Field on October… CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 12: Eli Morgan #49 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers during Game Five of the Division Series at Progressive Field on October 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
The Cubs’ bullpen ranked 10th in the National League in 2024, finishing the season with a 3.81 ERA among relief pitchers. That final stat, however, looks much better than it did in the middle of the season, as the Cubs started June with a bullpen ERA of 4.61, which was among the worst in baseball.
Morgan will certainly serve as an asset to the struggling bullpen if he can replicate a season remotely similar to last year. In 2024 the 28-year-old posted a 1.93 ERA with a 34-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .197 batting average against and a 0.976 WHIP in 42 innings for the Guardians.
The news comes less than 24 hours after the Cubs announced they had designated former closer Albert Alzolay for assignment. Alzolay recently underwent Tommy John surgery and will not be available to pitch until late 2025.
Of the 32 appearances Morgan made last season, he closed seven games, registering zero saves. It is unclear at this time if the Cubs intend to use Morgan in a closing role, but however he is deployed, he is undoubtedly a net positive addition to a bullpen that desperately needed help.
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