The Guardians and Cubs made a trade on November 20, one that saw Eli Morgan go to Chicago. Morgan was a key reliever for the Guardians over the last three seasons. In return, Cleveland received a 20-year-old outfielder with upside, in Alfonsin Rosario.
The Cubs’ Return
- RP Eli Morgan (1.93 ERA, 34 K over 42 IP)
Eli Morgan has been one of the Guardians’ more effective relievers over the last three seasons. Morgan was originally a starter for Cleveland but he surrendered 20 home runs over 89.1 IP in 2021 before a transition to a relief role.
He’s been excellent over the last three campaigns. Morgan struck out 72 over 66.2 IP and walked just 13 (1.8 BB/9) in 2022, then a career-high 75 strikeouts in 2023. He posted a 1.93 ERA/0.98 WHIP with Cleveland in 2024.
Even though Morgan is a reliever, the 28-year-old has three effective pitches. Morgan will work a harder, mid-80s slider to go along with a four-seamer that sits in the low-to-mid 90s with fine IVB (16.5”). The extension on his delivery ranked in the 64th percentile in baseball last season per Statcast.
Aside from those pitches, Morgan possesses an above-average changeup with depth and sink to it, which can lead to a lot of funky swings from hitters out in front, and whiffs.
So, what does a good, diverse arsenal lead to? A lot of whiffs across all quadrants of the zone, an indication he can keep hitters guessing.
Morgan is eligible for arbitration in 2025, the first time of his career.
The Guardians’ Return
- OF Alfonsin Rosario (.230/.344/.423, 16 HR over 109 G (A))
The Cubs parted with a high-upside outfielder in Alfonsin Rosario, 2023 sixth-round pick. The 20-year-old Rosario has a lot of tantalizing tools, hence why the Guardians likely wanted him but also flaws that make him a high-risk prospect.
There’s some obvious swing-and-miss in Rosario’s game. He sported a 32.2% K% in Low-A this past season with Myrtle Beach. But at the same token, Rosario also showed a fair amount of pop and athleticism. Rosario belted 16 home runs and 38 extra-base hits, plus 20 stolen bases.
The video on Rosario paints a similar picture than the one seen in the stats. Rosario has above-average bat speed that’s visible visually, a swing that’s not too long, and can turn on both fastballs and mistake breaking balls he can recognize. However, his pull-heavy approach can — and has, to this point — lead to a lot of strikeouts.
Thus, it’ll be interesting to see what adjusments Rosario makes as he moves up the Guardians’ organization. He’s still several years away from Cleveland.
Alfonsin is the younger brother of Eguy Rosario.
Analysis
This is the kind of trade one would expect from a team like the Guardians.
Cleveland doesn’t traditionally have a large payroll and while it’s likely Morgan won’t make significantly more than the $751,000 he did in 2024 next season, the Guardians do get a high-upside outfielder for a reliever due for a raise. Plus, the Guardians have bullpen depth to spare.
Last season, four Guardians pitchers — Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, and Tim Herrin — ranked in the top ten in ERA among relievers. No, ERA isn’t the be-all, end-all by any means. But, all four were highly effective at getting chases and limiting damage.
The Cubs, meanwhile, add a good arm who brings depth to the North Side. Chicago’s bullpen, before the trade, included incumbent closer Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and hard-thrower Luke Little, plus Nate Pearson and Trey Wingenter.
Much like we’ve noted in the past, it’s important for teams to have relievers with different arsenals and arm slots, to give opposing teams different looks. Morgan has higher velocity than Miller but doesn’t throw as hard as Hodge. But, he’s got multiple weapons up his sleeve.
Make sure to check out our insight on the Jose Siri trade, plus the notable players added to 40-man rosters on the 19th.
UPDATE (11/20): Trey Wingenter was DFA’d by the Cubs in a seperate move.