Eli Morgan – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Eli Morgan, now pitching for the Chicago Cubs, has quietly become one of baseball’s more reliable relief options since his MLB debut. Born on May 13, 1996, Morgan is nearing his 29th birthday as the 2025 season gets underway.

He started his career with Cleveland, but now Morgan earns a $950,000 salary with the Cubs—a nice jump from his previous $727,000 contract.

Morgan didn’t have a smooth ride to the majors, but his dedication has definitely paid off. His net worth is about $1.9 million, which reflects his growing spot in professional baseball.

When Morgan moved to Chicago, he entered a new chapter after several seasons in Cleveland’s organization.

The Cubs’ decision to bring Morgan on board really shows their faith in what he can do on the mound. He isn’t among the highest-paid relievers in the league, but his current contract marks steady career progress for a guy who keeps working on his craft at the top level.

Morgan’s story kind of sums up the financial reality for a lot of mid-tier relievers trying to carve out a place in MLB.

Early Life and Background

Eli Morgan’s path to becoming a pro pitcher started in Southern California. Those early years shaped his route to Major League Baseball.

His childhood set the foundation for his rise in the sport.

Family and Upbringing

Elijah Allan Morgan was born on May 13, 1996, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He grew up in this coastal area, where he developed a love for baseball in a region known for producing top players.

Morgan stands 5’10” and weighs 190 pounds. He never really fit the mold of a physically dominant pitcher, but his technical skill and determination helped him make up for that.

His family supported his athletic dreams, but details about his parents and siblings are pretty private. The Southern California weather gave Morgan the chance to practice and compete all year, and he used those opportunities to sharpen his skills.

Education and Early Interests

Morgan eventually went to Gonzaga University, where he juggled his studies and his baseball career. During college, he showed both academic discipline and athletic promise—traits that would serve him well in the pros.

At Gonzaga, he worked on his pitching and caught the eye of pro scouts. The Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) picked him in the 8th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, 252nd overall.

Morgan also cared about building inclusive team dynamics, which later helped him fit into different clubhouses during his career. His education gave him more than just baseball skills—it set him up for life beyond the game.

Professional Baseball Career

Morgan’s road to the majors included a steady climb through Cleveland’s farm system. He eventually carved out a role as a valuable relief pitcher in MLB.

His career features a shift from starting to relieving, and that move has worked out well for him.

Minor League Journey

Cleveland picked Eli Morgan in the 8th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, 252nd overall, right out of Gonzaga. He moved up the minor league ladder with steady progress, showing off his command and a really effective changeup.

He started in the New York-Penn League with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. His polished college approach helped him find success right away.

Morgan climbed through several levels between 2017 and 2021, including Lake County, Lynchburg, and Akron.

Scouts started to notice Morgan for his excellent control and his knack for getting swings and misses with his off-speed stuff. Even though he didn’t throw especially hard, his deceptive delivery and smart pitch selection kept his strikeout rates solid in the minors.

Major League Debut

Morgan made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2021. He faced some real challenges as he adjusted to big-league hitters.

His first start came in tough weather against the Toronto Blue Jays, and while it wasn’t pretty, he showed some resilience.

Morgan worked mostly as a starter during his rookie year, learning on the job against some of the best hitters. He finished the season with valuable experience, though there was still plenty to improve.

Cleveland eventually moved Morgan to the bullpen, which turned out to be a game-changer. That new role played to his strengths, especially his changeup, which became even more effective in shorter outings.

Morgan’s velocity ticked up a bit in relief, and he did a better job limiting hard contact.

By 2023, he had become a reliable bullpen piece. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season on a one-year, $950,000 deal.

Contract Details and Salary History

Eli Morgan’s financial story in MLB shows a steady climb in earnings as his career has taken off. His contracts reflect his potential early on, and now his growing value as a dependable pitcher.

Initial Contract and Signing Bonus

Morgan entered pro baseball when Cleveland drafted him in the 8th round in 2017. He signed his first contract and started his career in the minors, working his way up through Cleveland’s system.

Since he wasn’t a top draft pick, Morgan didn’t get a big signing bonus. That’s pretty normal for players outside the early rounds.

He spent his first few years earning modest minor league salaries while honing his craft.

After making his major league debut in 2021, Morgan began to earn the MLB minimum salary under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

Recent Contract Extensions

In 2024, Morgan signed a 1-year, $950,000 contract with the Chicago Cubs. That’s a solid jump from his earlier pay and shows the Cubs believe in him as a relief pitcher.

The move to Chicago started a new stage in Morgan’s career. This one-year deal gives him financial security for 2024-2025, and then he can test free agency if he wants.

The deal doesn’t seem to include performance bonuses or incentives, at least from what’s available publicly. It’s a straightforward contract with a base salary that matches his value as a proven bullpen arm.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Morgan has seen his salary grow steadily in the big leagues. With Cleveland, he made $727,000 in his last season there, which was about the league minimum for a player with his service time.

Now, with the Cubs, his $950,000 salary is about a 30% bump from before. That kind of raise is pretty typical for players who prove they can stick in the majors.

Here’s a quick look at Morgan’s financial path:

• Minor Leagues (2017-2020): Standard minor league pay
• Cleveland (2021-2023): Up to $727,000 in his last year
• Chicago Cubs (2024-2025): $950,000

His net worth is estimated at $1,895,336, which adds up his career earnings and likely some investments.

Net Worth and Financial Ventures

Morgan has built up financial stability thanks to baseball, investments, and some business ventures. Careful planning has helped him create a diverse portfolio outside of his athletic achievements.

Estimated Net Worth

Morgan’s net worth sits at about $1,895,336. That comes mostly from his baseball pay and some smart money moves along the way.

His MLB salary is the main driver of his wealth. Right now, Morgan earns $950,000 a year with the Cubs. He previously made $727,000 with the Guardians.

Unlike higher-profile athletes like Eli Manning (whose net worth is a staggering $160 million), Morgan’s money comes mostly from his contracts, not endorsements.

Business and Investment Activities

Morgan keeps his investment strategy conservative, focusing on long-term growth instead of risky ventures. While he stays focused on baseball, he’s quietly built a diversified investment plan.

People close to Morgan say he prefers steady growth investments, like mutual funds and blue-chip stocks. That fits the trend among athletes who want financial security after their playing days.

Unlike some players who start big side businesses, Morgan keeps his business activities pretty private. This shows a level of financial discipline that advisors often recommend to young pros.

Morgan has also taken part in MLB Players Association financial literacy programs, showing he cares about managing his money wisely.

Real Estate Holdings

Like a lot of athletes, Morgan invests in real estate for stability. His property portfolio isn’t huge, but it’s a smart way to diversify.

Morgan owns his main home and has picked up some rental properties in good markets. These investments give him both growth potential and steady income.

Real estate pros who work with athletes say Morgan’s approach fits the trend of younger players focusing on wealth preservation, not flashy spending.

Most of his real estate is residential, in areas with solid long-term growth rather than risky luxury markets. It’s a conservative strategy that matches his overall financial game plan.

Off-the-Field Impact and Interests

Away from the mound, Eli Morgan has built a life that goes beyond baseball. He gives back to the community and has an eye on innovative tech that’s changing sports.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Morgan has become known as a community-minded athlete, especially through his work with Cleveland youth baseball. While with the Guardians, he regularly joined team hospital visits, bringing a little joy to kids dealing with health issues.

In 2023, Morgan started his own charitable initiative to provide sports equipment to underprivileged kids. This program has already reached more than 500 children in Cleveland and Chicago.

After moving to the Cubs, Morgan expanded his outreach, teaming up with Chicago schools to promote fitness and STEM education. His “Pitch Perfect” reading program motivates students to hit reading goals for a chance at game tickets.

Morgan also supports diversity initiatives in baseball, working to boost participation in underserved neighborhoods.

Technology and Innovation Initiatives

Morgan really leans into technology to boost his game. He takes an analytical approach to pitching, digging into advanced metrics and using AI tools to study hitters and tweak his technique.

He’s put money into a handful of sports tech startups, especially those working on pitch analysis software. Lately, he’s been testing out new wearable gadgets that track pitcher mechanics and help catch injuries before they happen.

When reporters ask, Morgan doesn’t hide his fascination with how baseball and information technology mix. “The future of baseball is in the data,” he said at spring training in 2024. “But knowing how to use that information? That’s what makes the difference between a good player and a great one.”

Morgan works directly with his team’s analytics crew, trying out new strategies for pitch sequencing. He’s also become a big supporter of tech-based training, especially with younger guys coming up.