The Chicago Cubs, like all other Major League Baseball teams, are still trying to figure out who will be part of their bullpen in 2026. Of course, this is a process that will go through Spring Training. However, one name can already be scratched off the list as Eli Morgan has decided to go elsewhere.

Former Chicago Cubs reliever Eli Morgan has signed with the Kansas City Royals
Chicago Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan (33) shakes hands with catcher Carson Kelly (15) after the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park.MLB: Chicago Cubs at Athletics Apr 2, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan (33) shakes hands with catcher Carson Kelly (15) after the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

 

Morgan, who had a horrible 12.27 ERA in seven games with Chicago in 2025, has signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals to a minor league deal.

We have signed RHP Eli Morgan to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 30, 2026

As one can see from the post above, the deal includes an invitation to Spring Training with the Royals.

Morgan missed most of the 2025 season with an elbow injury.

Indeed, his one season in Chicago did not go as planned. Prior to being acquired by the Cubs via trade with the Cleveland Guardians, Morgan was 18-12 with a 3.97 ERA in his career.

In 2024, he was 3-0 with a  1.93 ERA in 32 appearances for Cleveland.

 

Standard Pitching Table

Season
Age
Team
Lg
WAR
W
L
W-L%
ERA
G
GS
GF
CG
SHO
SV
IP
H
R
ER
HR
BB
IBB
SO
HBP
BK
WP
BF
ERA+
FIP
WHIP
H9
HR9
BB9
SO9
SO/BB
Awards

2021
25
CLE
AL
0.3
5
7
.417
5.34
18
18
0
0
0
0
89.1
90
54
53
20
22
0
81
4
1
0
379
81
5.14
1.254
9.1
2.0
2.2
8.2
3.68

2022
26
CLE
AL
0.2
5
3
.625
3.38
50
1
7
0
0
0
66.2
46
29
25
10
13
0
72
2
0
0
256
112
3.58
0.885
6.2
1.4
1.8
9.7
5.54

2023
27
CLE
AL
-0.1
5
2
.714
4.01
61
0
14
0
0
1
67.1
73
37
30
9
24
1
75
1
1
2
299
106
3.88
1.441
9.8
1.2
3.2
10.0
3.13

2024
28
CLE
AL
1.1
3
0
1.000
1.93
32
0
9
0
0
0
42.0
30
11
9
4
11
1
34
1
0
0
167
210
3.64
0.976
6.4
0.9
2.4
7.3
3.09

2025
29
CHC
NL
-0.4
0
1
.000
12.27
7
0
2
0
0
0
7.1
12
10
10
3
3
1
4
0
0
0
35
33
8.59
2.045
14.7
3.7
3.7
4.9
1.33

5 Yrs
1.1
18
13
.581
4.19
168
19
32
0
0
1
272.2
251
141
127
46
73
3
266
8
2
2
1136
98
4.31
1.188
8.3
1.5
2.4
8.8
3.64

162 Game Avg
0.4
7
5
.581
4.19
61
7
12
0
0
0
99
91
51
46
17
27
1
97
3
1
1
413
98
4.31
1.188
8.3
1.5
2.4
8.8
3.64

CLE (4 Yrs)
1.5
18
12
.600
3.97
161
19
30
0
0
1
265.1
239
131
117
43
70
2
262
8
2
2
1101
104
4.19
1.165
8.1
1.5
2.4
8.9
3.74

CHC (1 Yr)
-0.4
0
1
.000
12.27
7
0
2
0
0
0
7.1
12
10
10
3
3
1
4
0
0
0
35
33
8.59
2.045
14.7
3.7
3.7
4.9
1.33

AL (4 Yrs)
1.5
18
12
.600
3.97
161
19
30
0
0
1
265.1
239
131
117
43
70
2
262
8
2
2
1101
104
4.19
1.165
8.1
1.5
2.4
8.9
3.74

NL (1 Yr)
-0.4
0
1
.000
12.27
7
0
2
0
0
0
7.1
12
10
10
3
3
1
4
0
0
0
35
33
8.59
2.045
14.7
3.7
3.7
4.9
1.33

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