The Chicago Cubs reportedly are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Cubs are also designating infielder Patrick Wisdom for assignment, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
Eli Morgan has been in the major leagues since 2021, but he had the best season of his career in 2024 with the Guardians, pitching to a 1.93 ERA in 32 games and 42 innings, according to Baseball Reference. Morgan was a starting pitcher for the Guardians in 2021, but did not perform well, as he posted a 5.34 ERA in 18 starts. He moved to a bullpen role in 2022 and performed better over the next two seasons. His 2024 performance was far better than any prior season, and now he figures to be a big weapon for the Cubs out of the bullpen in 2025.
Patrick Wisdom is a veteran infielder who had his best season with the Cubs in 2021 after previously spending time with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He suffered a significant decline in 2024, hitting for an OPS+ of 75, which is down from his 2023 mark of 112, according to Baseball Reference. Entering his age 33 season, the Cubs decided to move on.
Cubs looking to rebound in 2025
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The Cubs came into the 2024 season expecting to take the next step after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023. After bringing in Craig Counsell, expectations were big. However, the Cubs disappointed and finished with an 83-79 record. It was too little, too late at the end of the season for the Cubs, as they missed out on the playoffs.
Still, Chicago brought in a big piece at the deadline in Isaac Paredes, and he is expected to be a big piece for 2025 and beyond. It will be interesting to see any other additions the team makes for 2025. Players like Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner have been mentioned as possible trade chips to improve other areas of the roster.