Prospect Guardians stole from Cubs in minor trade named biggest breakout

Last November, the Cleveland Guardians traded Eli Morgan to the Chicago Cubs in a trade that seemed more like the “move before a move” rather than a standalone trade that could help the Guardians. 

That notion has been turned on its head recently, however, thanks to strong play from Alfonsin Rosario, the prospect the Guardians got in return for Morgan. 

Prospect Guardians stole from Cubs in minor trade named biggest breakout

After starting the season strong, Rosario has reached a new level in the minors recently, so much so that MLB Pipeline highlighted him as Cleveland’s best minor league prospect so far this season. 

“Acquired from the Cubs in a trade for Eli Morgan in November, Rosario features some of the best all-around tools in the system (well-above-average raw power and arm strength, and plus speed) and is making better use of them now that he's toned down his approach a bit. He's slashing .269/.365/.489 with a High-A Midwest League-leading 16 homers and 12 steals in 82 games,” MLB.com’s Sam Dykstra, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo wrote in their story highlighting every team’s breakout prospect. They currently have Rosario ranked as Cleveland’s No. 11 prospect. 

As they highlighted, Rosario started the season tearing it up for High-A Lake County — so much so that he earned a promotion to Double-A Akron last week. While he’s only recorded three hits in his time with the RubberDucks, two of those hits have been homers. 

Meanwhile, Morgan has only thrown 7 1/3 innings for the Cubs this year due to injury and has been on the 60-day injured list since April. 

While Rosario is just 21, it’s hard to believe that his strong season hasn’t expedited his big league timeline. He isn’t on the 40-man roster, but it would be easy for the Guardians’ front office to add him to it in the offseason after they adjust their major league roster.  

Although the Pipeline crew has Rosario's major league ETA in 2027, there isn’t a ton standing in his way outside of a bonafide major league addition. The only outfield prospects ranked ahead of him are Chase DeLauter and Jaison Chourio, and DeLauter can’t stay on the field and Chourio is younger than Rosario. 

The Guardians could potentially have three outfield spots open if they decide to trade Steven Kwan, which could also make things easier for Rosario. 

But, regardless of when he reaches the big leagues, Rosario has spent this season showing how he can make an impact at Progressive Field. He has the power the Guardians haven’t had in the outfield for a long time, and he has enough speed to make it seem like he could be a long-term answer in center field. 

And we all have Eli Morgan to thank for it.