Chicago Cubs Surprisingly Option Stud Reliever, Trade Acquisition, to Triple-A Iowa

After putting together an excellent season for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, reliever Eli Morgan has been sent to Triple-A with the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan (33) throws a pitch against the Hanshin Tigers during the fifth inning at Tokyo Dome on March 15. / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs made a surprising roster decision on Thursday, electing to send reliever Eli Morgan down to Triple-A Iowa. They also sent left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks down.

Ryan Herrera of Just_BB Media had the information on social media:

Cubs moves as they get set to restart spring camp: Eli Morgan and Jordan Wicks have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa

— Ryan Herrera (@ryan_a_herrera) March 20, 2025

The Morgan move is especially surprising considering that the Cubs traded a minor leaguer to the Cleveland Guardians in order to acquire him this offseason. Furthermore, Morgan put together a great year for the Guardians in 2024 and made the Cubs' travel roster for the Toyko Series earlier this week. He threw a scoreless 1.1 innings as the Cubs were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in those matchups.

Now 28 years old, Morgan is in his fifth season, though it will now continue in the minors. Lifetime, he's 18-12 with a 3.95 ERA. He made 32 appearances last year for a dominant Cleveland bullpen that helped lead the team to the American League Championship Series. Not only did he make 30 appearances, he pitched to a sterling 1.93 ERA and a perfect 3-0 record.

The Guardians were beaten in five games of the ALCS by the New York Yankees, who went onto the World Series.

At 0-2, the Cubs will kick off the domestic portion of their schedule on March 27 when they travel to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks. The Iowa Cubs will begin their season a day later, as all Triple-A teams begin play on March 28.

Morgan is sure to make another appearance with the Cubs this season, it's just a question of when.

Related MLB Stories

NEW ERA AT MLB NETWORK: MLB Network, on the air since 2009, is starting a new chapter with a special two-hour pregame show every night. CLICK HERE:

QUARTERBACK CHAOS: Rodney Peete, the former NFL quarterback, stole a possible out from Max Muncy during the Toyko Series. CLICK HERE to see the hilarious moment, and Muncy's reaction.

A's MAKE HISTORY: Luis Severino will start Opening Day for the Athletics, continuing a historic trend for the franchise. CLICK HERE:

Follow Fastball on SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.