CLEVELAND, Ind. — The Cubs are trading for Cleveland relief pitcher Eli Morgan.
As a result of adding Morgan to the 40-man, Patrick Wisdom was designated for assignment.
Morgan, 28, had the best season of his career in 2024 with a 1.93 ERA with Cleveland in 42 innings.
The Gonzaga product relies of a softer fastball compared to other bullpen arms, a slider and a change up. Morgan’s strikeout rate dipped this season, but he’s also done a good job at limiting hard contact throughout his career.
He becomes Hoyer and company’s first real move of the offseason after a 2024 campaign that saw the Cubs rank 12th in bullpen ERA. That is a bit deceiving due the bullpen having a rough first three months and then rebounding after the trade deadline.
The Cubs are sending back 20-year-old outfielder Alfonsin Rosario, who was ranked their 21st top prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The 2023 sixth-round pick showcases raw power while hitting 16 homers and swiping 20 bases for single-A Myrtle Beach this year.
Wisdom burst onto the scene after the Cubs traded their World Series core in 2021 along with Frank Schwindel. Wisdom brought the slug, but struck out at a very high rate and didn’t walk enough.
He ends his Cubs career with 84 career home runs.