Eli Morgan Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Elijah Allan Morgan
Born 05/13/1996 in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Gonzaga
Debut 05/28/2021
Drafted in the 8th round (252nd overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 (signed for $135,000).

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Morgan went 20-5, 3.32 in 30 starts the last two years at Gonzaga, and his 12.34 strikeouts per nine innings ranked eighth nationally heading into NCAA Tournament play in 2017. However, the 5-foot-10, 185-pounder is no flamethrower. Morgan can reach 88-91 mph early in starts, but he settles in with below-average fastball velocity in the 85-88 range. His fastball plays up because of his easy plus changeup, one of the better secondary pitches available in the draft class. One area scout called it the best college changeup he's seen; he locates it, can use it in any count and throws the pitch with excellent arm speed and deception. Morgan also can throw his breaking ball for strikes. He's similar to 2016 Gonzaga draftee Brandon Bailey (Athletics, sixth round), though Bailey was a bit bigger and had a better breaking ball.

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Despite capping his college career with a strong junior season in which he ranked in the top 10 nationally in strikeouts (138) and strikeouts per nine innings (12.34), Morgan lasted until the eighth round in the draft due to his stature and below-average fastball velocity. But his outstanding professional debut in the New York-Penn League showed there may be more than meets the eye. Morgan threw a bit harder in pro ball, running his fastball up to 93 mph. His fastball is just good enough to allow his changeup, which was one of the best secondary pitches in the draft class, to be effective. His changeup has fading action, and he locates and sells the pitch well. He also throws a slurvy slider, which he will need to tighten up to give him a better third pitch. Morgan has a nontraditional profile as a short righthander whose primary offspeed pitch is his changeup. He has a starter's mentality and the Indians will develop him as one, believing he could move quickly in the minor leagues. Morgan is advanced enough to handle an assignment to high Class A Lynchburg in 2018.

Morgan went 20-5, 3.32 in 30 starts the last two years at Gonzaga, and his 12.34 strikeouts per nine innings ranked eighth nationally heading into NCAA Tournament play in 2017. However, the 5-foot-10, 185-pounder is no flamethrower. Morgan can reach 88-91 mph early in starts, but he settles in with below-average fastball velocity in the 85-88 range. His fastball plays up because of his easy plus changeup, one of the better secondary pitches available in the draft class. One area scout called it the best college changeup he's seen; he locates it, can use it in any count and throws the pitch with excellent arm speed and deception. Morgan also can throw his breaking ball for strikes. He's similar to 2016 Gonzaga draftee Brandon Bailey (Athletics, sixth round), though Bailey was a bit bigger and had a better breaking ball.

Cleveland Guardians recalled RHP Eli Morgan from Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians optioned RHP Eli Morgan to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day injured list.
Cleveland Guardians sent RHP Eli Morgan on a rehab assignment to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians sent RHP Eli Morgan on a rehab assignment to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians placed RHP Eli Morgan on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 30, 2024. Right elbow inflammation.
Cleveland Guardians activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day injured list.
Cleveland Guardians sent RHP Eli Morgan on a rehab assignment to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians sent RHP Eli Morgan on a rehab assignment to Columbus Clippers.
Cleveland Guardians placed RHP Eli Morgan on the 15-day injured list. Right shoulder inflammation.