In a surprising move that signals a shift in the Cleveland Guardians’ roster dynamics, the team has traded right-handed reliever Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for promising minor league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario. The deal, announced on Wednesday, marks the end of Morgan’s tenure in Cleveland after four seasons, during which he played a key role in one of the most dominant bullpens in baseball.
Eli Morgan’s Time with the Guardians
Morgan, 28, was a vital piece of the Guardians’ bullpen in 2024, a year in which Cleveland’s pitching staff was widely regarded as the best in Major League Baseball. The right-hander posted a stellar 1.93 ERA and a perfect 3-0 record in 32 appearances. His breakout season came after overcoming significant injury concerns, including shoulder and elbow issues that had kept him sidelined at various points in his career.
The Guardians’ faith in Morgan grew as the season wore on. Manager Stephen Vogt trusted him in high-leverage situations, particularly after a dominant stretch in late August and September, where Morgan rattled off 16 consecutive scoreless innings. His ability to thrive under pressure was a major asset for Cleveland, and he was a key contributor to their AL Central title.
Morgan’s postseason performance further solidified his value, as he appeared in six games across the Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers and the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. In four innings of work, he allowed just two hits and struck out six, proving himself to be a reliable arm in the postseason spotlight.
Over his four-year career with Cleveland, Morgan compiled an 18-12 record with a 3.97 ERA in 131 appearances, predominantly as a reliever. Drafted in the eighth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Morgan had carved out a solid role with the Guardians, earning trust from the coaching staff and becoming an important piece of their bullpen puzzle.
Alfonsin Rosario: A New Addition to the Farm System
In return, the Guardians acquire 20-year-old outfielder Alfonsin Rosario, who will join Cleveland’s deep farm system. Rosario spent the 2024 season with Single-A Myrtle Beach, where he showed plenty of potential at the plate. In 109 games, he posted a .230 batting average with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, and 73 RBIs. While his offensive numbers may not yet be eye-popping, Rosario’s ability to steal bases—he swiped 20 bags in 2024—adds another dimension to his game, making him an intriguing prospect for the Guardians.
The Cubs selected Rosario in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and he’s regarded as a high-upside player with raw tools to develop. Although his bat still requires refinement, his speed and power potential could make him a significant asset in Cleveland’s outfield rotation in the future. Given the Guardians’ success in developing young talent, they’ll be hoping to mold Rosario into a key contributor in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
This trade marks an interesting crossroads for the Guardians. By parting with Morgan, a player who was a trusted arm in their bullpen, Cleveland is signaling a long-term focus on bolstering their farm system and developing young talent. This is especially relevant in a team that has historically prided itself on cultivating homegrown players, and the Guardians are likely banking on Rosario’s potential to make a significant impact down the line.
For the Cubs, the acquisition of Morgan bolsters a bullpen that’s been a work in progress in recent seasons. Morgan’s success in high-leverage situations and his postseason pedigree will be valuable as Chicago continues its push toward contention in the National League. The Cubs are hoping that Morgan, who has proven capable of pitching in big moments, can bring stability to their bullpen and help them compete for a playoff spot in 2024 and beyond.
As for Cleveland, fans will be hoping that this trade will pay off down the road, as Rosario continues to develop into a potential cornerstone of the outfield. The Guardians have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, and adding a player like Rosario adds another exciting piece to their rebuilding puzzle.
It’s clear that both teams are looking to the future with this deal, but for now, all eyes will be on the Guardians’ next moves as they continue to balance their focus on immediate success and long-term growth.
