Photo: Ken Blaze/Imagn Images

Cubs Add to Bullpen, Acquire Eli Morgan in Trade with Guardians

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated Nov 20, 2024 4:57 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs began adding to their bullpen Wednesday in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians as Eli Morgan heads to the North Side with a clear path to contribute in 2025. The Cubs sent minor-league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario to Cleveland to complete the deal.

This trade represents a solid move for a Cubs team in need of bullpen arms. The Cubs dug themselves a hole early last season with a disastrous performance from Adbert Alzolay, who was recently designated for assignment. Counting on his development in the closer's role proved costly as it became a revolving door for most of the season.

Chicago still needs a closer, but adding Morgan to the mix is a positive step toward stabilizing the bullpen. Parting ways with Rosario, a Single-A player, is a minimal price to pay — exactly how Jed Hoyer likes to operate. In this case, acquiring a pitcher with postseason experience should immediately benefit the Cubs' relief corps.

Morgan logged a solid 1.93 ERA in 42 innings for the Guardians this past season. The Cubs need relievers of that caliber if they want to make their mark in the NL Central, where surpassing the Brewers is no easy task.

Cubs Part Ways with Patrick Wisdom

While the Cubs are welcoming a new player into the fold, they're also parting ways with one who helped carry the club through dark times. To make room for Eli Morgan on the roster, the Cubs designated Patrick Wisdom for assignment.

The Cubs let the third baseman shine as a consistent source of power from 2021 to 2023. Unfortunately, Wisdom's production cratered this past season and he became a liability on the bench.

Cubs fans will be forever grateful for the unexpected fun Wisdom provided alongside former infielder Frank Schwindel.

"If I'm hitting in front of him and I hit a homer, he's got to, and vice versa."

- Patrick Wisdom on him and Frank Schwindel pic.twitter.com/aojc2nVSCi
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 22, 2022

The Cubs are starting their offseason by addressing a big need. While they're far from done, it's encouraging to see Jed Hoyer act early. Now, attention turns to how the North Siders will address the closer role.

Porter Hodge was a bright spot last season, but his inexperience could lead to issues if thrust into such a high-leverage role. The hope is that the Cubs learned from their mistake of leaning on Adbert Alzolay entering last season and will instead acquire an arm with experience this time around.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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