The Chicago Cubs are wasting no time in addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses from the past season—the bullpen. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Cubs have traded for right-handed reliever **Eli Morgan** from the Cleveland Guardians, making a significant early move this offseason.
### Morgan’s Profile and Performance
Morgan has proven himself as a versatile pitcher over his four-year MLB career:
– **Career Stats**: 3.97 ERA, 104 ERA+, 161 appearances (19 starts), and 265.1 innings pitched.
– **2023 Season**: A career-best 1.93 ERA and 212 ERA+ in 32 relief outings, though his season was limited by shoulder and elbow inflammation.
Morgan’s ability to perform at an elite level, coupled with his first-year arbitration eligibility, makes him a valuable and cost-controlled addition to Chicago’s bullpen.
### Cubs’ Bullpen Issues
The Cubs’ bullpen struggled significantly during the 2023 season, contributing to their late-season collapse and missed playoff opportunities. President of baseball operations **Jed Hoyer** admitted the front office didn’t do enough to address this weakness last winter, but this trade signals a more proactive approach for 2024.
### What’s Next?
Details of who the Cubs traded for Morgan have not been disclosed, so it’s too early to fully evaluate the deal. However, the Cubs are clearly prioritizing upgrades to ensure they contend in the NL Central and beyond. With Morgan’s strong track record and upside, this acquisition is a step in the right direction for a bullpen overhaul.
