Charlie Morton may have one last rodeo with the Atlanta Braves. Many thought he’d wrap up his career in 2023, but the Braves opted to exercise a $20 million option to bring Morton back for 2024. And while his season wasn’t precisely Cy Young-caliber, he proved he still has enough fire left to justify that investment.
Morton’s stats for 2024 reflect an up-and-down year. He finished with a 4.19 ERA and a 4.46 FIP, numbers that don’t scream ace but aren’t deal-breakers either. Despite the bumps, Morton provided Atlanta with 165.1 innings. They were vital in a season riddled with injuries across the pitching staff. Those innings matter, especially in an era when durability is becoming as rare as a complete game. Morton’s ability to take the mound consistently is what Atlanta needed, and Uncle Charlie delivered when it mattered.
There is a clear home-road split once you dig into the stats. Morton was significantly stronger at home, posting a 3.76 ERA across 17 games, compared to a 4.74 ERA in his 13 road starts. His curveball was a major weapon, thrown about 42% of the time, which kept hitters off balance and contributed to a 46.3% groundball rate—13th-best in baseball. Morton’s fastball, still hitting an average velocity of 94.1 mph, also played an important role. It continued to help him set up that curveball as long as he maintained control.
At 40, Charlie Morton may have every reason to consider calling it a career. His four seasons in Atlanta, capped by a record of 45-34 and a 3.87 ERA over 686.1 innings, would make for a respectable exit. But, just when it seemed he might step away, Braves insider Mark Bowman recently reported that Morton might not be done yet. He’s apparently leaning toward pitching at least one more season, and rumors suggest he could land a one-year contract in the $10–15 million range.
Here’s the balancing act for the Braves. Morton’s leadership and presence in the clubhouse are clear assets, but at what cost? A $10 million deal could be a sensible investment if he delivers the innings and mentorship that the Braves value. Anything north of that, however, could start to feel like a splurge for a starter who may or may not be consistent.
Fortunately for Atlanta, they have some options. The recent trade that sent Jorge Soler to the Angels brought back Griffin Canning, who’s projected to earn $5.4 million through arbitration. Canning’s a younger, lower-cost option that could fill in as a backend starter if Morton doesn’t return or struggles with the form.
Charlie Morton’s ride with Atlanta may indeed come to an end in 2024. Still, it’s clear that even after four memorable years, he’s got just enough left to keep fans and front-office executives alike wondering, “Does he have one more season in him?”
