"The acquisition target made sense on paper. Eli Morgan was a guy who'd had lots of success as a big league reliever. The Cubs had some big needs in that area. He was cheap. He still had an option year left. And he was coming off a year with an injury that may well have kept the acquisition price down."
"Morgan was almost immediately ineffective for the Cubs in 2025, then was injured, and didn't pitch for the big league Cubs after April 14. He was non-tendered after the season. The Cubs never even used that theoretically valuable option year, because they never had a chance. Meanwhile, Rosario did indeed go on to continue his breakout, hitting .251/.345/.461/129 wRC+ between High-A and Double-A, all while just 20/21."
The Cubs traded outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario to acquire reliever Eli Morgan in fall 2024 because Morgan had prior big-league success, filled bullpen needs, was inexpensive, and had a remaining option year. The trade cost included a promising prospect who soon warranted concern. Morgan struggled immediately in 2025, then suffered an injury and did not pitch for the big league Cubs after April 14; he was non-tendered after the season and the Cubs never used his option. Rosario continued his breakout, posting a .251/.345/.461 slash with a 129 wRC+ between High-A and Double-A at age 20/21.
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