CLEVELAND -- It’s time for the Guardians to start building their outfield pipeline.
On Wednesday afternoon, Cleveland sent right-hander Eli Morgan to the Cubs in exchange for Single-A outfielder Alfonsin Rosario. Morgan is projected to make $1 million in arbitration this offseason by MLB Trade Rumors. It was likely less of a financial decision for the Guardians, but rather a combination of avoiding another roster crunch situation in 2025 while also adding an outfield option to their farm system.
Morgan got stuck at times this past season. Although his numbers were good, he didn’t always have a spot in the big league bullpen, prompting him to be optioned to Triple-A Columbus after a stint on the injured list. In 32 appearances with the Guardians, Morgan owned a 1.93 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 11 walks in 42 innings. He was the man on the rubber when Cleveland clinched its postseason berth in September. He also gave up just one earned run in six playoff appearances last month. But still, the long-term picture might not have made sense for the organization.
The Guardians may have to take from their bullpen -- their greatest area of strength on this roster -- in order to continue to build a better overall team in 2025. Even so, they will return some of the best relievers in the game next season. On top of that they added two relievers to their 40-man roster on Tuesday night in Franco Aleman and Nic Enright. Both could be options for the Major League ‘pen in the near future.
So Cleveland seized the opportunity to build up its outfield pipeline. It’s an area that the Guardians have struggled to develop in recent history. Aside from Steven Kwan, who is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, this team has struggled to find everyday players in the grass. Jhonkensy Noel has made some big swings, but he hasn’t proven to be a consistent right fielder. This club has tried other players like Johnathan Rodriguez and Oscar Gonzalez, but no one has stuck so far.
Rosario, who was ranked No. 21 in the Cubs’ system according to MLB Pipeline, has a similar profile to these heavy hitters. The 20-year-old outfielder is known more for his power than his hit ability. He’s already 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, which helps him generate well-above-average raw power and high exit velocities with strength and bat speed from the right side of the plate, as MLB Pipeline explains. He hit 16 homers in 109 Single-A games with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans last year but struck out 147 times.
His above average speed and off-the-charts arm strength could allow him to develop into a center fielder, but he could also be an excellent right fielder. If he can improve his plate discipline and cut down on his strikeouts, he will be an interesting prospect who has the potential to advance through the farm system quickly.