Alfonsin Rosario's inclusion in Eli Morgan trade is much needed reminder for Cubs fans

The Chicago Cubs made their first offseason move of consequence on Wednesday when they acquired right-handed relief pitcher Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians.

Morgan posted a 1.93 ERA out of the Guardians' bullpen this past season and when the news first broke, it wasn't clear on the prospect who the Cubs would be sending to Cleveland. The expectation was that it would be a prospect of consequence considering Morgan's success last season and the expectation was confirmed when outfielder Alonsin Rosario was revealed to be the player on the move to the Guardians' organization.

Drafted by the Cubs in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Rosario had been a prospect garnering buzz within the organization. In his first full season in the Cubs' system, Rosario slashed .230/.344/.368/127wRC+ in 456 plate appearances with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

The shine of Rosario's prospect profile with the Cubs was his power. Rosario had 16 home runs with the Pelicans last season with an isolated power rating of .193. What made Rosario's prospect profile volatile was the swing-and-miss element of his offensive profile. With the Pelicans last season, Rosario struck out in 32.2% of his plate appearances.

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While there certainly is a sting to the Cubs losing a prospect with an exciting profile like the one Rosario has, that is the cost of doing business. If the Cubs are going to add a bullpen piece of consequence while avoiding the free-agent market, it will cost a prospect who has a high-ceiling. In the case of Rosario, the Cubs already have a logjam of outfielders for multiple seasons ahead, this would the exact time to sell-high on him.

It's a move that the Cubs' front office will need to continue to be comfortable in making. With free agency not appearing to be the primary method being used for the Cubs to improve their Major League roster, the trade market will be where the Cubs will live this offseason. That is going to include the Cubs trading away prospects who have become household names among talent evaluators.