Outcasted Royals offseason flier's relief reputation wasn't damaged enough for Yankees to avoid

The Kansas City Royals have had plenty of roster turnover this season, but that's common for a team as low in the standings as they are right now. You try out a name, they don't work out and then you move on. No harm, no fouls. Eli Morgan was one the Royals' latest examples of this, after the team designated him for assignment last week in order to make room for the incoming Tony Gonsolin.

However, despite his poor bounce-back attempt in the Royals' bullpen this season, it didn't stop the New York Yankees from taking a shot on him. As Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported at the wee hours of the morning on Friday, the Yankees are signing the veteran right-hander to a minor league contract.

As touched upon already, if the Royals were hoping for Morgan to bounce back to his prime days as a high-leverage reliever in the Cleveland Guardians' bullpen between 2022 and 2024, that's not what they got at all. He bounced between the Royals and Triple-A Omaha this season as a result of a 5.12 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and .300 BAA in 19.1 innings across 16 outings.

In terms of bullpen help, the Yankees aren't the first team that comes to mind in needing it. They rank second in MLB as a bullpen in ERA, WHIP and BAA and fourth in FIP. However, with Angel Chivilli being the only reliever on the 40-man roster, adding some veteran major league experienced depth like Morgan isn't the worst idea in the world - even if he hasn't proved to offer much this season.

Royals' relief depth simply outgrew Eli Morgan as the season went on

Now, don't get things misconstrued, the Royals still have a depth issue when it comes to their pitching staff. However, in the weeks leading up to and at the trade deadline, they acquired plenty of names to help offset their bullpen issues.

From Nate Pearson rising to the ranks of suddenly becoming a reliable-looking high-leverage reliever, Carlos Duran making a good first impression upon his call-up this week and Nolan Hoffman providing some new depth in Triple-A Omaha, the Royals' relief needs seem more accurately covered.

Then there's the likes of the recently demoted former closer Lucas Erceg, alongside Jose Cuas, Easton McGee and Luke Little to call upon in a pinch should underperformance or injuries take a toll once again. On top of that, the advancement of Beck Way in his rehab assignment, who's now with Storm Chasers, is an added welcome sight for their depth.

Morgan filled a role for the Royals out of spring and by no means was he a mistake for them to take a minor league shot on. They just found more sustainable means to address their bullpen needs as the year went on and that wasn't what Morgan brought to the table any longer.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow