NY Yankees signs free agent Eli Morgan, amid recent rotation struggles

Starting rotation depth remains a primary concern for the New York Yankees. Even with ace Gerrit Cole continuing his dominant form since returning from injury, the Bronx Bombers are still navigating the absence of Max Fried on the injured list, while Carlos Rodon is only just re-joining the big-league roster.

To shore up their pitching depth, the Yankees signed right-hander Eli Morgan to a minor-league contract, according to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman. Morgan became a free agent earlier this season after being designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals.

Morgan offers the Yankees an intriguing option to eat innings if called upon. While he lacks elite velocity, the right-hander relies on an above-average swing-and-miss rate and a fly-ball profile, driven by elite pitch design and seamless tunneling between his fastball and off-speed offerings.

By bringing in Morgan, the front office hopes to bolster pitching coverage while he works out in Triple-A. The move comes as urgency mounts across the roster, particularly with stars like Aaron Judge still working back from the IL on uncertain recovery timelines.

A look at Eli Morgan’s 2026 statistics

Morgan’s 2026 campaign has been split between the majors and Triple-A, defining an up-and-down season that ultimately led to his change of scenery. Here is a breakdown of his numbers so far this year:

See also

Pending UFA Jazz Chisholm Jr. blames bad luck for struggles with NY Yankees in 2026

• 2026 MLB Statistics (Kansas City Royals)
  • Record: 0–1
  • ERA: 5.12
  • Games (GS): 16 (0)
  • Saves: 1
  • Innings Pitched: 19.1
  • Hits Allowed: 24
  • Earned Runs: 11
  • Walks: 9
  • Strikeouts: 16
  • WHIP: 1.71

• 2026 Triple-A Statistics (Omaha Storm Chasers)
  • Record: 4–0
  • ERA: 1.40
  • Games: 22
  • Innings Pitched: 25.2
  • Strikeouts: 35
  • WHIP: 1.29

If Morgan can maintain his dominant Triple-A form over his next few outings, he stands a strong chance of earning a promotion to the Bronx to bolster a depleted pitching staff.