The 2025 offseason continues to reshape bullpens across Major League Baseball. The Cubs’ decision to non-tender Eli Morgan has drawn attention — and stirred speculation that the Guardians might be ready to bring him back.
Morgan made his mark in Cleveland between 2022 and 2024, when he became a go‑to middle/inning‑reliever under the Guardians’ previous bullpen regime. After debuting as a starter, he found a niche in relief — eventually earning Terry Francona’s trust in high-leverage situations.
However, Morgan’s tenure in Chicago during 2025 did not go as planned. He logged just 7⅓ innings with a 12.27 ERA, and was hampered by a right‑elbow injury that landed him on the injured list; he did not throw for the Cubs after mid‑April.
Given that performance and health setback, many organizations are likely cautious. But for Cleveland — the club that developed him and knows his strengths — Morgan represents a classic “buy‑low” reclamation candidate.
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Familiarity & comfort: Morgan already knows the Guardians’ coaching staff, bullpen culture, and how to approach games inside Progressive Field. That reduces both adjustment risk and the ramp-up time often required for pitchers changing clubs.
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Low cost, limited commitment: With arbitration projected to pay him around $1.1 million for 2026, Morgan is a financially reasonable option — a low-budget move that won’t mortgage payroll.
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Health reset opportunity: A return to Cleveland could provide Morgan the stability and medical support to rehab his elbow and rebuild arm strength in a familiar environment. Given that he still has a minor‑league option, the organization could control his workload while letting him re-establish himself. Potential bullpen impact: If healthy and back to form, Morgan offers a refined changeup, good command, and middle-inning reliability — exactly the kind of arm that can help stabilize a bullpen undergoing turnover and adapting to roster changes.
This isn’t a sure thing. Morgan’s 2025 performance does raise red flags: his elevated ERA and elbow trouble can’t be ignored. Some of those issues stemmed from health, which remains uncertain.
Moreover, in the hyper‑competitive world of bullpen arms, limited recent innings and injury history mean Morgan would need to earn trust again — likely starting in lower stress situations before regaining a high-leverage role.
Finally, Cleveland must balance short‑term gains with long‑term flexibility. Re-signing Morgan is low-cost but might occupy a roster spot that could otherwise be used to develop a younger pitcher or pursue outside free agents.
The Guardians’ bullpen situation is in flux. Several arms that contributed in 2025 are now free agents, while other relievers have questionable long-term stability. The team needs to add depth, but must do so judiciously — giving someone like Morgan a second chance could be a smart, low-risk way to reinforce the bullpen.
For Morgan himself, returning to Cleveland offers redemption: a chance to reset, rebuild, and perhaps re-establish his career under a coaching staff and organization that already trusts him. For the Guardians, it’s a low-cost insurance policy with upside — potentially restoring an effective bullpen arm without draining payroll.
Eli Morgan’s non-tender by the Cubs may be just the opening the Guardians need. While his 2025 campaign was rocky, the combination of familiarity, low cost, depth needs, and upside make him a compelling reclamation target. If managed carefully — with proper rehab, controlled innings, and gradual reintegration — Morgan’s return could be a quietly smart move for Cleveland.
Fall‑through is possible, but given the circumstances, this is not a bad risk to take. As the offseason unfolds, keeping an eye on Morgan’s next destination seems wise — and for Guardians fans, rooting for a comeback to “The Land” might not just be nostalgia, but practical roster building.
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