{"id":2257310,"date":"2026-01-30T01:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T01:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2257310"},"modified":"2026-01-30T01:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T01:29:09","slug":"royals-sign-29-year-old-pitcher-from-cubs-after-injury-riddled-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/royals-sign-29-year-old-pitcher-from-cubs-after-injury-riddled-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Royals Sign 29-Year-Old Pitcher From Cubs After Injury-Riddled Season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div q:key=\"QW_4\"><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6c q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>The Kansas City Royals aren&#39;t one of the big markets in the league, so they need to get creative when building a postseason caliber roster. They&#39;ve already hit the jackpot with Bobby Witt Jr. as their franchise superstar. They were also able to land Witt on a massive contract extension that is going to keep him in Kansas City for years to come.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6d q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6e\">The Kansas City Royals aren&#8217;t one of the big markets in the league, so they need to get creative when building a postseason caliber roster. They&#8217;ve already hit the jackpot with Bobby Witt Jr. as their franchise superstar. They were also able to land Witt on a massive contract extension that is going to keep him in Kansas City for years to come.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6f q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>This extension with Witt has freed the Royals up to make a few moves in the coming months. They have more financial flexibility to build around their superstar than many realize.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6g q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6h\">This extension with Witt has freed the Royals up to make a few moves in the coming months. They have more financial flexibility to build around their superstar than many realize.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6i q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>But they&#39;re still a very small market, so a majority of their biggest moves are going to be under-the-radar additions.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6j q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6k\">But they&#8217;re still a very small market, so a majority of their biggest moves are going to be under-the-radar additions.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6l q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p><em>If you like our content,&nbsp;<\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\"><em><strong>choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6m q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-3\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6n\"><em>If you like our content,\u00a0<\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=si.com\"><em><strong>choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6o q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>On Thursday, the Royals made another one of their quiet, under-the-radar moves when they <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Royals\/status\/2017026502538236006?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">signed Chicago Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan<\/a> to a minor league deal.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6p q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6q\">On Thursday, the Royals made another one of their quiet, under-the-radar moves when they <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Royals\/status\/2017026502538236006?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">signed Chicago Cubs pitcher Eli Morgan<\/a> to a minor league deal.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6r q:key=vcaa:\n\n<h2>Eli Morgan is primed for a bounce back season this year<\/h2>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=6s q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6t\">Eli Morgan is primed for a bounce back season this year<\/h2>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=6u q:key=vcaa:https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,w_4776,h_2686,x_0,y_0\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/inside_the_royals\/01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7--><!--qv q:id=6v q:key=VjqC:mL_1--><!--qv q:id=6w q:key=deAA:7d_2--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6w q:key=--><!--qv q:id=6x q:key=deAA:7d_1--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6x q:key=--><!--qv q:id=6y q:key=cHU9:7d_0--><!--qv q:id=6z q:key=deAA:e2_0--><!--qv q:id=70 q:key=B0c2:SZ_1--><\/p>\n<figure q:key=\"9m_3\"><!--qv q:s q:sref=70 q:key=--><!--qv q:s q:sref=6z q:key=--><\/p>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\" on:qvisible=\"q-Cr7ILx8F.js#_hW[0]\" q:id=\"71\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 1x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 2x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 1x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 2x, &#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 1x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 2x,&#10;    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4776,h_2686\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2Finside_the_royals%2F01kg67a48z693qeqwyg7.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><\/p>\n<p><figcaption q:id=\"73\">Apr 14, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Eli Morgan (33) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=74 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Morgan, 29, missed most of last year with an elbow injury, He made a few appearances with the Cubs before being sidelined for the rest of the season. He allowed 10 runs in less than 10 innings pitched last year.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=75 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-7\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"76\">Morgan, 29, missed most of last year with an elbow injury, He made a few appearances with the Cubs before being sidelined for the rest of the season. He allowed 10 runs in less than 10 innings pitched last year.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=77 q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>But before that, Morgan was a key piece of the 2024 Cleveland Guardians bullpen that helped put them in the postseason. He had a sub-2.00 ERA in over 30 appearances, led by his incredible changeup.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=78 q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"79\">But before that, Morgan was a key piece of the 2024 Cleveland Guardians bullpen that helped put them in the postseason. He had a sub-2.00 ERA in over 30 appearances, led by his incredible changeup.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=7a q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>Morgan does a good job of keeping the ball in the ballpark, when he&#39;s healthy, and he limits free passes. This is a very high upside move for the Royals. If he can return to his 2024 form, he&#39;ll be able to work his way into the Royals&#39; big-league bullpen early in the regular season.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7b q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7c\">Morgan does a good job of keeping the ball in the ballpark, when he&#8217;s healthy, and he limits free passes. This is a very high upside move for the Royals. If he can return to his 2024 form, he&#8217;ll be able to work his way into the Royals&#8217; big-league bullpen early in the regular season.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=7d q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p>This is one of the quiet moves that could help push the Royals back to the postseason. It&#39;s not easy to build a roster with such a limited payroll, but moves like these help keep the Royals competitive. If he pans out, it&#39;s a huge hit, but if he flops after his injury, the Royals aren&#39;t on the hook for anything. It&#39;s the perfect low risk move to make.<\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7e q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7f\">This is one of the quiet moves that could help push the Royals back to the postseason. It&#8217;s not easy to build a roster with such a limited payroll, but moves like these help keep the Royals competitive. If he pans out, it&#8217;s a huge hit, but if he flops after his injury, the Royals aren&#8217;t on the hook for anything. It&#8217;s the perfect low risk move to make.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--qv q:key=QW_2--><!--qv q:id=7g q:key=vcaa:\n\n<p><em><strong>More MLB: <\/strong><\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/royals\/onsi\/news\/2-royals-stars-are-perfect-extension-candidates-after-jose-ramirez-deal-zach3\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>2 Royals Stars Are Perfect Extension Candidates After Jose Ramirez Deal<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n--><!--qv q:id=7h q:key=lY4S:mL_1--><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7i\"><em><strong>More MLB: <\/strong><\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/mlb\/royals\/onsi\/news\/2-royals-stars-are-perfect-extension-candidates-after-jose-ramirez-deal-zach3\" target=\"_blank\"><em><strong>2 Royals Stars Are Perfect Extension Candidates After Jose Ramirez Deal<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><!--\/qv--><\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.si.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kansas City Royals aren&#8217;t one of the big markets in the league, so they need to get creative when building a postseason caliber roster. They&#8217;ve already hit the jackpot with Bobby Witt Jr. as their franchise superstar. They were also able to land Witt on a massive contract extension that is going to keep [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2257311,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2257310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-royalty"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Royals-Sign-29-Year-Old-Pitcher-From-Cubs-After-Injury-Riddled-Season.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2257310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2257310"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2257310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2257312,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2257310\/revisions\/2257312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2257311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2257310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2257310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2257310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}