Charlie Morton’s unexpected journey back to the Atlanta Braves in 2021 was like a homecoming story few could resist. Drafted by the Braves in 2002, Morton spent nearly two decades crafting his reputation as a reliable veteran starter.
When Atlanta signed him ahead of the 2021 season, fans hoped he had just enough gas left in the tank for one or two solid years. Fast forward four seasons, and Morton proved doubters wrong, posting a 3.87 ERA over 686.1 innings, racking up 771 strikeouts against 269 walks.
Despite whispers that age would catch up with him year after year, Morton churned out 160+ innings, becoming an integral piece of the Braves’ success, including their 2021 World Series run. Without him, that championship dream likely wouldn’t have come true.
Now, that chapter has officially closed. The Braves opted not to re-sign Morton after the 2024 season, and many speculated he’d retire unless Atlanta called him back for one more ride.
Former Braves Vet Charlie Morton Signs Deal With the Baltimore Orioles
Instead, the Baltimore Orioles swooped in, offering Morton a one-year, $15 million deal. They secured the services of a 41-year-old pitcher whose experience could help anchor their young rotation.
This marks the end of an era for Braves fans and leaves the team without a reliable fallback option in their rotation. Sure, Morton showed signs of regression last year, and banking on a pitcher in his 40s comes with obvious risks. But losing him does expose Atlanta to uncertainty, particularly if injuries or underperformance plague their younger arms.
Baltimore’s willingness to pay $15 million for Morton shows how competitive the market for veteran starters remains. Atlanta’s more conservative approach may protect their payroll but leaves them without proven depth.
At the same time, it’s hard to fault the Braves for not matching Baltimore’s offer. The loss stings a bit as Morton was more than a safety net. He was a stabilizing force, a leader, and a key to past success.
Here’s hoping Morton thrives in Baltimore, a team on the rise and a fitting destination for a pitcher who’s defied the odds for so long. As for Atlanta, the question now is whether their calculated patience will pay off or if this is one more sign they’ve grown too cautious in a shifting market.
