New York Yankees sign reliever Eli Morgan to minor league deal

The New York Yankees have signed right-handed reliever Eli Morgan to a minor league deal to bolster their bullpen depth. Morgan was recently designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals before electing free agency.

Morgan previously showed significant promise with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, where he recorded a 1.93 ERA across 42 innings. However, his performance has fluctuated following an elbow injury in 2025 and a subsequent stint with the Chicago Cubs. During his time with the Royals this season, he posted a 5.12 ERA across 16 games, though he had been pitching effectively at the Triple-A level prior to his release.

The Yankees' move comes as the pitching staff faces pressure during the stretch run, with Max Fried on the injured list and Carlos Rodon returning to the rotation. The signing is viewed as an attempt to find reliable innings for a bullpen currently involved in a tight divisional race.