The New York Yankees added depth to their pitching staff Thursday by agreeing to terms with right-hander Eli Morgan on a minor league contract, according to reports.
The move comes as the team prepares for a key series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Morgan, a 30-year-old reliever, became available after his recent release.
Yankees officials acted quickly to bring him into the organization. The deal was first reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman.
“Eli Morgan to Yankees. MILB deal,” Heyman wrote.
Morgan stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds. He entered professional baseball as an eighth-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2017 draft.
This season he has appeared in 16 major league games. He has recorded 16 strikeouts, one save, a 5.12 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP while working primarily out of the bullpen.
Over the course of his career Morgan has pitched in 184 major league contests. He has totaled 282 strikeouts, 21 holds and two saves across 292 innings.
He previously spent time with the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. The Guardians traded him to the Cubs in November 2024 in exchange for prospect Alfonsin Rosario.
Morgan elected free agency after the 2025 season and signed with the Royals in January of this year. His path has taken him through several organizations in a short span.
The Yankees enter the weekend series sitting second in the American League East. They trail the Tampa Bay Rays by four games and own a 6-4 record over their last 10 contests.
New York just completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles. That success has the club looking to build momentum against another division rival.
The last time these two teams met, the Blue Jays took the series. Yankees manager Aaron Boone also reached a personal milestone during that set, receiving his 50th career ejection.
A strong showing this weekend could deal a blow to Toronto’s playoff aspirations. Any wins against a direct competitor carry extra weight in the tight AL East race.
Game 1 is scheduled for Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Eastern. The contest will air on YES Network and Sportsnet.
Morgan’s addition gives the Yankees another arm to evaluate in the minor league system. Club officials hope the veteran can provide depth if needed later in the stretch run.
The right-hander has shown the ability to miss bats at times during his career. His experience in high-leverage situations could prove useful if he earns a call-up.
For now the focus remains on the series against Toronto. The Yankees will look to reverse the result of their previous meeting and keep pace in the division standings.
