Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Eli Morgan has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The right-hander was part of the team that traveled for the Tokyo series. Morgan tossed 1.1 scoreless innings during the first game of that series. However, it doesn't appear that Morgan is going to be part of the bullpen for the domestic Opening Day next week. This is a bit of a surprising move given Morgan is coming off his best season in 2024. He posted a 1.93 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 34/11 K/BB ratio across 32 appearances with the Cleveland Guardians last season. He figures to pitch in Chicago at some point this summer, but is unlikely to have fantasy value as a middle reliever.
Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan could be the "odd man out" on the Opening Day roster. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that while Morgan is "in the hunt", he could be the odd man out as he still has a minor-league option remaining. Earlier in the offseason, Morgan was traded to the Cubs in exchange for Alfonso Rivas. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he will likely compete for a spot alongside other depth options in the bullpen such as Nate Pearson, Julian Merryweather, or Caleb Thielbar. Last season, Morgan posted a strong 1.93 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings with the Cleveland Guardians. He generated an elite 28.1 percent hard-hit rate with a strong 6.6 percent walk rate. If he makes the roster, he will likely have a middle relief role.
The Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher Eli Morgan have reached a contract agreement to avoid arbitration. Morgan was acquired by the Cubs on Wednesday from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. Last summer in Cleveland, Morgan posted a stellar 1.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings. Morgan was typically deployed as middle relief but did see several opportunities in the seventh inning in high-leverage relief. Under the hood, the right-hander boated a stellar 2.51 xERA, .200 xBA, 2.5% barrel rate, and 28.1% hard-hit rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. In addition, he showed strong command with a 6.6% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Morgan to have a high-leverage role with the upside to earn save opportunities in 2025.
The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, according to sources. It's unclear what the Cubs sent Cleveland in return. Morgan went 3-0 with a strong 1.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and 11 walks last year for Cleveland in 42 innings out of the bullpen and has a 3.23 career ERA in 173 innings as a reliever in the big leagues. The 28-year-old has pitched a total of 265 1/3 innings at the major-league level over 161 appearances (19 starts) since making his debut in 2021 with the Guardians. Morgan sports a career 23.8% strikeout rate and a nice 6.4% walk rate, although his strikeout rate fell to a career-low 20.4% in 2024. He will likely work in the middle innings for the Cubbies in 2025 and won't be on the fantasy radar. UPDATE: The Guardians received outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario in return.
Joey Cantillo Sent To Triple-A, Eli Morgan Recalled
Cleveland Guardians starting pitching prospect Joey Cantillo is being optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room for right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan. Cantillo made his first two starts at the major league level over the past two weeks and held a 7.36 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and a 3:7 BB:K ratio. Cantillo should get another opportunity in the big league later this summer as he performed well at Triple-A in the past with a 2.39 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. This transaction makes for Eli Morgan to return to the big leagues. Morgan has split this season, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A. In the big leagues, he has held a strong 1.98 ERA and 1.17 across 13 innings of relief. Morgan was typically deployed in the seventh inning in the past, and fantasy managers should expect him to reclaim a similar role. Morgan is worth a look in deeper leagues that score holds, as he should typically be pitching with a lead playing on a strong Guardians team.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Eli Morgan threw six innings of one-run ball while striking out three in an 11-1 win over the New York Yankees Sunday. Morgan has been wildly inconsistent this season as he has posted a 5.68 ERA with 73 strikeouts across 77 1/3 innings pitched. He will likely start 2022 in AAA barring an injury to the projected rotation, but would be the first man up and could be worth a stash in deeper dynasty leagues.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Eli Morgan allowed four earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four across 4 2/3 innings of work in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Texas Rangers. It was another tough night for Morgan who has allowed nine earned runs over his previous 14 1/3 innings pitched. While Morgan has shown some flashes of being a solid starter this season, he is not someone that can be trusted down the stretch. This should have been a solid streaming spot for him and he let fantasy managers down in a big way.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Eli Morgan threw six innings of scoreless baseball while striking out eight in a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Morgan got the win and is now 2-5 on the season with a 5.80 ERA and 54 strikeouts across 54 1/3 innings pitched. He still cannot be trusted as a fantasy option moving forward as he has been very inconsistent on the season. His next start will likely come next week at home against the Texas Rangers.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Eli Morgan allowed five earned runs on three hits and three walks while striking out just one in four innings of work in Thursday's 17-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics. This is a game both Morgan and the Tribe would like to forget as Morgan just could not get anything going. He had been solid recently as he had allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five starts and two or fewer in each of his last two starts. He will carry a 6.52 ERA into his next start against the Minnesota Twins next week and is not a recommended streaming option.
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Eli Morgan pitched six innings of two-run ball while allowing five hits, one walk, and striking out nine. It was the second time this season Morgan was able to strike out nine opposing hitters, however, he has still been inconsistent at the Major League level as he now has a 6.75 ERA across eight starts. He is not recommended as a streaming option moving forward.
Eli Morgan
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