When Charlie Morton takes the mound on September 28 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it will mark not only the end of Atlanta’s season but also the end of a remarkable career. At 41, Morton will retire as a Brave — the franchise that drafted him in 2002 and gave him his big-league debut in 2008.
The final stop of his career hasn’t been pretty. Morton struggled through 2025, posting a 5.42 ERA with the Baltimore Orioles in 23 appearances before a trade to Detroit. In nine starts for the Tigers, he recorded a 7.09 ERA before being designated for assignment. Atlanta claimed him off waivers on September 1, giving him the chance to close out his career in the uniform where his legacy resonates most.
A Rough Year Doesn’t Erase the Resume
Morton’s final stat line may not reflect the pitcher Braves fans remember, but his career numbers still carry weight. Over 17 seasons, Morton compiled more than 2,200 strikeouts, three 200+ strikeout campaigns, and a career ERA hovering around league average despite pitching in the heart of the hitter-friendly era. Baseball Reference credits him with 52.7 WAR.
His 2025 ERA — 6.09 combined between Baltimore and Detroit — tells only part of the story. Morton’s velocity dipped slightly, and command wavered. But those struggles don’t diminish his reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors and postseason performers.
The Fibula That Defined a Generation
For Braves fans, Morton’s legacy crystallized in Game 1 of the 2021 World Series. After taking a comebacker off his leg that fractured his fibula, he stayed in the game to strike out two more Astros before exiting. Atlanta went on to win its first championship since 1995, and Morton’s toughness became instant folklore.
That image — Morton grimacing but delivering pitches on a broken leg — will outlast any stat line. It made him a symbol of resilience in a season that redefined the Braves’ trajectory.
A Career of Reinvention
Morton’s career is itself a study in resilience. Originally drafted and developed by Atlanta, he was traded to Pittsburgh in 2009, where he struggled to find consistency. By his early 30s, many thought his career was over.
Instead, Morton reinvented himself. His time with Houston saw him emerge as a postseason weapon, winning the clinching Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. Stints with Tampa Bay and Atlanta added to his October résumé, including 13 playoff wins and a 3.35 career ERA in the postseason.
When he returned to Atlanta in 2021, he became a stabilizing force in the rotation. His veteran presence shepherded a young staff, while his curveball remained among the league’s most effective pitches into his late 30s. FanGraphs consistently rated his curve among the game’s best by spin rate and whiff percentage.
Retiring Where It All Began
The Braves’ decision to give Morton one last moment on September 28 isn’t just ceremonial. It’s recognition of a player who, despite a difficult 2025, gave Atlanta consistency, toughness, and postseason brilliance.
Morton will retire with more than 130 career wins, two All-Star selections, and the respect of teammates across four organizations. But in Braves Country, his place is more personal.
He was the veteran who broke his leg on the sport’s biggest stage, then returned the following year to lead a young rotation. He was the steady hand who helped Atlanta navigate the years after the 2021 title.
Legacy Beyond the Numbers
A down season at 41 doesn’t erase that impact. Braves Country will remember Morton for his curveball, his durability, and most of all, his fight. His numbers may land him just shy of Hall of Fame consideration, but his story ensures he will remain one of the Braves’ most respected pitchers of his era.
When he walks off Truist Park’s mound on September 28, it will be with the knowledge that he gave the game everything he had — and that in Atlanta, his legacy shines far brighter than the box scores of 2025.
