Cubs sign new reliever to 1-year deal, avoiding arbitration

One of the newest faces on the Cubs has signed a contract for the upcoming season.

Eli Morgan and the club agreed to terms on a one-year, $950,000 contract, avoiding arbitration. The figure was first reported by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.

Thursday marked the deadline to file salary figures for teams and arbitration-eligible players. Morgan was one of four Cubs eligible for arbitration. The Cubs came to terms with Nate Pearson and Justin Steele, but did not with new outfielder Kyle Tucker.

[MORE: What comes next after Cubs, Kyle Tucker fail to reach deal to avoid arbitration]

Morgan, 28, was acquired in November from the Guardians for minor league outfielder Alfonsin Rosario.

With Cleveland in 2024, Morgan was a solid reliever for the game’s best bullpen. In 32 appearances for the Guardians, Morgan had a 1.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 42 innings. Opponents slashed .197/.255/.336 (.591 OPS) against the righty.

If he can perform at that type of level for the Cubs next season, he could be a viable option for Craig Counsell’s bullpen.

The reliever corps for Counsell’s bunch was a tale of two halves. Across the first 81 games of the year, they had a 4.52 ERA (sixth worst) and 17 blown saves (tied for 2nd most). In the second half, they had a 3.08 ERA (third best) and 9 blown saves (sixth fewest).

The Cubs have made it no secret they’ve wanted to address the issues faster in the season and that comes with adding more depth in their ranks. Just this offseason, the Cubs have added Morgan, lefties Caleb Thielbar (via free agency) and Rob Zastryzny (waiver claim) as well as righties Cody Poteet (in the Cody Bellinger trade) and Matt Festa (in Thursday’s trade with the Rangers).

That gives Counsell different options that he can call upon as he looks to piece together the final outs in games.

It’s Morgan’s first year of arbitration-eligibility and he’s under team control for three more seasons.