Cubs’ bullpen renewal spells disaster for Patrick Wisdom

There are various reasons why this is the case Chicago Cubs They didn’t live up to expectations last season, but one of the underperforming areas of their roster was the bullpen. Chicago’s ERA wasn’t bad, but they had 26 saves, tied for eighth-most in the majors.

Left with distressed relievers like Craig Counsell, Adbert Alzolay and Hector Neris until I can’t anymore mainly due to the lack of talent in bullfighting. Jed Hoyer for Cubs to return to postseason in 2025 will have to improve this part of the squad.

It’s safe to say Hoyer: we have made a good start in that regard, as the Cubs reportedly purchased the veterans Cleveland Guards Reliever Eli Morgan is in a trade, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Cubs left A-ball player As a return, according to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma.

To make room for Morgan on their roster, the Cubs decided to finally part ways with Patrick Wisdom, who was designated for assignment.

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It’s hardly surprising that Erudite received the DFA. The 33-year-old had three consecutive seasons with at least 23 home runs before the 2024 season, but hit just eight home runs in 74 games last season, slashing .171/.237/.392. He could provide value thanks to his power and ability to play both corner infield positions, but given how poorly he played last season and the infield depth the Cubs have, it makes sense that the Cubs wouldn’t want to pay him what Spotrac is paying. predictions would be like this over $2.7 million in the second year of arbitration.

It’s a bit sad that Wisdom’s five-year Cubs tenure ended this way, but knowing that the player who took his place on the roster was Morgan, a highly underrated and solid reliever, can take away the sadness that comes with it.

Morgan flew under the radar last season largely because the Guardians’ entire squad was elite, but what Morgan can do cannot be ignored. The right-hander had a 1.93 ERA in 32 games and 42 innings pitched.

He doesn’t throw very hard and doesn’t strike out very much, but he has been an effective reliever for most of his four-year MLB career. What makes Morgan truly fascinating is his ability to take multiple shots when necessary. He recorded more than three outs 16 times last season, striking out as many as 2.2 innings an outing. Morgan was also used as early as the second inning and as late as the ninth inning during the regular season.

The 28-year-old is projected to make just under $1 million in his first year of arbitration and is under control through the 2027 campaign, according to Spotrac. Not only did the Cubs land themselves useful relief for 2025, but Morgan should also play a complementary role for years to come.

He probably won’t come close to the Cubs, but Morgan’s ability to step into almost any situation and extend it when necessary could come in handy. It doesn’t blow hitters away, but it suppresses hard contact at a high level and is still simply reliable. There’s a reason why he’s a big part of this dominant Guardians arena.

Trade rating of puppies: To be updated
Guardians’ trade rating: Will be updated

This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.