Here we are, another chapter in the Atlanta Braves’ offseason that leaves fans scratching their heads.
The team entered the winter with a clear need in their starting rotation, yet when veteran right-hander Charlie Morton expressed his desire to return for 2025, the Braves didn’t even make him an offer.
That’s right—not even a courtesy call. And now? Morton is packing his bags for Baltimore.
A Surprising Silence from the Braves
It’s a curious situation, to say the least. Morton, who first began his career with Atlanta, returned triumphantly in 2021 and played a key role in the Braves’ championship run that season.
Over the past four years, he’s been a steady presence on the mound, providing reliability and veteran leadership. But when it came time to talk about 2025, the Braves front office went radio silent.
According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, the organization didn’t extend any offer for Morton to return. And here’s the kicker: Morton himself isn’t quite sure why.
“I consider Alex [Anthopoulos] a friend,” Morton told O’Brien. “I don’t know what they’re going through… I don’t take anything personally.” He spoke with the grace and professionalism you’d expect from a 17-year MLB veteran, but there’s no denying the tinge of disappointment in his words.
Morton felt like he belonged in Atlanta—like he was part of the Braves’ family. And now? He’ll be suiting up in orange and black instead of the familiar red and navy.
Morton’s 2024 Performance: Still Worth the Investment?
From a purely baseball perspective, the Braves’ decision is puzzling. Even at 41 years old, Morton was still effective in 2024. He posted a respectable 4.19 ERA with 167 strikeouts over 165.1 innings.
His numbers may not have been Cy Young-worthy, but for a team with a glaring need in the rotation his experience and durability would’ve been valuable.
Especially at the discounted price tag of $15 million, which he accepted from the Orioles, a full $5 million less than what the Braves paid him last year.
Could it be his age? Possibly. But let’s be honest—age hasn’t exactly slowed him down to the point where he’s no longer useful. And with Max Fried also departing in free agency, Atlanta’s rotation suddenly looks thin.
The team has yet to sign any notable replacements, making their lack of interest in Morton even more confusing.
Morton Wanted to Stay in Atlanta
And remember, this is a guy who genuinely wanted to stay. As Morton put it, the last four seasons were “extremely special” to him, and it’s clear he hoped to finish his career in Atlanta.
Instead, he leaves with a 49-42 record, a 4.09 ERA, and 819 strikeouts over his five years with the team. Those are solid numbers for a guy who was supposed to be part of the team’s long-term plans.
Morton now heads to Baltimore, his sixth MLB team, adding to a resume that includes stops with the Pirates, Astros, Rays, and Phillies. But something tells us that Atlanta will always hold a special place in his heart—even if the front office didn’t exactly reciprocate that feeling this offseason.
For Braves fans, it’s another reminder that baseball is a business at the end of the day. And sometimes, that business can be a little colder than we’d like.
