Eli Morgan Chooses Free Agency After Clearing Waivers

Eli Morgan, a right-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, has opted for free agency after clearing waivers following his designation for assignment (DFA). This decision allows him to pursue opportunities with any Major League Baseball team, as he has over three years of service time.

The 30-year-old Morgan joined the Royals on a minor league contract and was added to the major league roster in March. Throughout the season, he has pitched a total of 19 1/3 innings in five appearances, recording an ERA of 5.12 with 11 runs allowed. His performance included 16 strikeouts, with an average fastball velocity of 91.2 mph.

Previously, Morgan had a successful stint with the Cleveland Guardians from 2022 to 2024, where he maintained a 3.27 ERA over 176 innings. However, injuries in 2024 affected his performance, leading to a trade to the Cubs. Despite challenges in the major leagues, he has shown promise in Triple-A, posting a 1.40 ERA in 25 2/3 innings this season. As teams seek to strengthen their bullpens, Morgan may attract interest for a minor league contract.