Royals Sign Reliever Eli Morgan to Minor League Deal

Former Guardians pitcher looks to bounce back from elbow injury with Kansas City

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Kansas City Royals have signed 29-year-old right-handed reliever Eli Morgan to a minor league contract. Morgan had success with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, posting a 1.93 ERA in 32 games, but was limited to just 7 games with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 due to an elbow injury.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to bolster their bullpen depth, and taking a low-risk flier on Morgan could pay dividends if he can regain the form he showed in 2024 before the injury. Minor league deals like this allow teams to take chances on players with upside at little cost.

The details

Morgan was originally an 8th round pick by the Guardians out of Gonzaga in 2017. He found success as a reliever in 2022 and 2024, but was limited to just 42 innings in 2025 due to an inflamed ulnar nerve in his right elbow. The Cubs non-tendered him after the season. Morgan features a 92 mph fastball along with a slider and changeup.

  • Morgan debuted in the majors with the Guardians in 2021.
  • In 2024, Morgan posted a 1.93 ERA in 32 games with the Guardians.
  • In 2025, Morgan was limited to just 7 games with the Cubs due to the elbow injury.
  • The Cubs non-tendered Morgan after the 2025 season.

The players

Eli Morgan

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent time with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs.

Kansas City Royals

A Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that has signed Eli Morgan to a minor league deal.

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What’s next

The Royals will give Morgan a chance to compete for a spot in their bullpen during spring training.

The takeaway

This low-risk signing by the Royals represents their efforts to rebuild their bullpen depth and find hidden gems who can contribute at the major league level if they can stay healthy and regain their previous form.