Charlie Morton might not be ready to retire just yet. At 40, Morton wrapped up the season with a bit of uncertainty about his future, initially saying he wasn’t ready to make a final decision on whether he’d play another season.
But not even a month later, Morton appears to be leaning toward one more year in the majors. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported that the veteran pitcher is considering a return for 2025, though he stopped short of confirming it would be with the Braves. Still, he pointed out that he could continue to add value to Atlanta’s pitching staff.
The Braves would certainly welcome Morton’s presence in the rotation as they look toward next season. With Spencer Strider working his way back from right elbow ligament surgery, Morton would add insurance to the back end of the rotation and provide some stability.
And, with Max Fried facing free agency, re-signing Morton could give the Braves some peace of mind. If both Morton and Strider are healthy, Atlanta could start the season with a well-rounded rotation featuring multiple options with big-league experience.
If Morton does return, the Braves could have a starting lineup that includes Strider, Morton, and potentially other experienced arms like Chris Sale and Griffin Canning, who arrived in Atlanta via the Jorge Soler trade. Ian Anderson, who hasn’t played since 2022, may also be ready for action, adding further depth. Young talents like Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo Lopez could also be in the mix.
A one-year contract worth between $10 million and $15 million is being discussed for Morton, which would be a cut from the $20 million he earned last season. Spotrac has Morton’s market value of around $17.6 million annually, so while he might not draw that figure, the proposed contract could be a solid investment for the Braves if Charlie Morton stays in form.
As the offseason begins, the ball is in Morton’s court to decide if he’s ready for another season—and if Atlanta remains his best fit. With several pitching gaps to fill, the Braves will likely keep a close eye on Morton’s decision, as it could be the boost they need for a successful 2025 rotation.
