REPORT: Guardians Trading Right-Handed Reliever To Cubs

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Cleveland is trading relief pitcher Eli Morgan to Chicago.

Oct 18, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Eli Morgan (49) pitches against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during game four of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

This year, the Cleveland Guardians had arguably the best bullpen in baseball.

Cleveland's relief pitching unit led MLB in ERA (2.57), holds (122), WHIP (1.05), opposing batting average (.203), fewest runs allowed (205), and fewest earned runs allowed (178).

However, one of its arms is reportedly headed to another team.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Guardians are trading right-handed relief pitcher Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs. According to The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma, Cleveland is reportedly receiving a Class A player in return, whose name is yet to be reported.

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. 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.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 20, 2024

Despite a pair of stints on the 15-day injured list, the 28-year-old had a strong 2024 campaign. He made 32 relief appearances during the regular season, going 3-0 with a career-best 1.93 ERA, three holds, a 0.98 WHIP, and a .197 opposing batting average in 42 innings.

Morgan also fared well in the 2024 postseason, making six appearances out of the Cleveland bullpen. In four innings, he tallied a 2.25 ERA, six strikeouts to just two walks, and a .133 opposing batting average.

A baseball player throwing a baseball while wearing a white jersey, white pants, and a navy and red hat. — Oct 18, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Eli Morgan (49) pitches against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during game four of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Guardians selected Morgan in the eighth round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga. After serving primarily as a starter through his MLB debut season in 2021, the right-hander transitioned to the bullpen the following year.

This proved to be a strong move, as he was one of Cleveland's primary relievers for its 2022 American League Central Champion squad. Morgan made 50 appearances (one start) for Cleveland that season, recording 72 strikeouts to 13 walks, 10 holds, a 0.89 WHIP, and a .192 opposing batting average in 66.2 innings during the regular season.

In all, Morgan made 161 regular season appearances (19 starts) for Cleveland. He went 18-12 with a 3.97 ERA, 262 strikeouts, and 70 walks in 265.1 innings.