Eli Morgan DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan could be the "odd man out" on the Opening Day roster. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that while Morgan is "in the hunt", he could be the odd man out as he still has a minor-league option remaining. Earlier in the offseason, Morgan was traded to the Cubs in exchange for Alfonso Rivas. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he will likely compete for a spot alongside other depth options in the bullpen such as Nate Pearson, Julian Merryweather, or Caleb Thielbar. Last season, Morgan posted a strong 1.93 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings with the Cleveland Guardians. He generated an elite 28.1 percent hard-hit rate with a strong 6.6 percent walk rate. If he makes the roster, he will likely have a middle relief role.

The Chicago Cubs and relief pitcher Eli Morgan have reached a contract agreement to avoid arbitration. Morgan was acquired by the Cubs on Wednesday from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. Last summer in Cleveland, Morgan posted a stellar 1.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings. Morgan was typically deployed as middle relief but did see several opportunities in the seventh inning in high-leverage relief. Under the hood, the right-hander boated a stellar 2.51 xERA, .200 xBA, 2.5% barrel rate, and 28.1% hard-hit rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. In addition, he showed strong command with a 6.6% walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect Morgan to have a high-leverage role with the upside to earn save opportunities in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed reliever Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, according to sources. It's unclear what the Cubs sent Cleveland in return. Morgan went 3-0 with a strong 1.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and 11 walks last year for Cleveland in 42 innings out of the bullpen and has a 3.23 career ERA in 173 innings as a reliever in the big leagues. The 28-year-old has pitched a total of 265 1/3 innings at the major-league level over 161 appearances (19 starts) since making his debut in 2021 with the Guardians. Morgan sports a career 23.8% strikeout rate and a nice 6.4% walk rate, although his strikeout rate fell to a career-low 20.4% in 2024. He will likely work in the middle innings for the Cubbies in 2025 and won't be on the fantasy radar.UPDATE: The Guardians received outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario in return.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitching prospect Joey Cantillo is being optioned to Triple-A Columbus to make room for right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan. Cantillo made his first two starts at the major league level over the past two weeks and held a 7.36 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and a 3:7 BB:K ratio. Cantillo should get another opportunity in the big league later this summer as he performed well at Triple-A in the past with a 2.39 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. This transaction makes for Eli Morgan to return to the big leagues. Morgan has split this season, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A. In the big leagues, he has held a strong 1.98 ERA and 1.17 across 13 innings of relief. Morgan was typically deployed in the seventh inning in the past, and fantasy managers should expect him to reclaim a similar role. Morgan is worth a look in deeper leagues that score holds, as he should typically be pitching with a lead playing on a strong Guardians team.