The Kansas City Royals signed right-handed relief pitcher Eli Morgan to a minor league contract on Thursday, the team announced. The deal includes an invite to spring training.

The Royals have made an effort to improve their bullpen this offseason. Kansas City made a World Series run in 2015 with a strong bullpen leading the way, so perhaps the ball club is looking to implement a similar strategy in 2026.

Morgan is a good pitcher who had a difficult 2025 campaign. This signing could prove to be a steal if Morgan can find his 2024 form.

Morgan, 29, made his big league debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2021 as a starter. He pitched to a lackluster 5.34 ERA across 21 outings, however.

In 2022, Cleveland moved Morgan to the bullpen -- a move that worked well to say the least. The right-handed reliever turned in a 3.38 ERA in 50 total appearances. He looked like a different pitcher in his new bullpen role. 

2023 was an up and down season for Morgan, who recorded a 4.01 ERA in his 61 outings. In 2024, however, Morgan looked like one of the best relievers in the sport across 32 games pitched. He finished the season with a sparkling 1.93 ERA.

The Guardians traded Morgan to the Cubs during the offseason. It seemed as if Chicago may have added a pivotal boost to the bullpen with the move. Morgan struggled to begin the season and later ended up on the injured list, though. He ultimately finished the season with a 12.27 ERA across seven total games pitched.

Morgan became a free agent this offseason. He is looking for a bounce back year in 2026. At only 29 years old, one has to imagine he will perform better during the '26 campaign as long as he can stay healthy. 

The Royals ultimately signed him to a minor league deal. Morgan should have a respectable chance of making the big league roster with a strong spring training, however.

Morgan is not a hard-throwing reliever. He relies on an impressive changeup for the most part, while he also throws a fastball and a slider. When Morgan is on top of his game, he is getting hitters to swing out of the zone while limiting walks and hard contact.

Eli Morgan's game is not especially common for relievers in today's era of baseball. Many hurlers out of the bullpen throw 100 MPH. Morgan's change-of-pace approach gives managers versatility in their bullpen, though. 

Perhaps Morgan will help the Royals reach the postseason in 2026.