The Baltimore Orioles might be heading toward a sale at the July 31 trade deadline, and while much of the buzz has centered around names like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and various bullpen arms, a new—and familiar—name has quietly worked his way into the conversation: Charlie Morton.
Yes, that Charlie Morton. The 41-year-old right-hander who’s been written off more times than most veterans ever get written in is suddenly throwing like it’s 2017 again—and contenders are bound to take notice.
Morton Finds His Groove Again
After a rocky start to the year—including a stint in the bullpen and a brutal 9.38 ERA over his first nine appearances—Morton has completely flipped the narrative. In his last seven starts, he’s posted a 2.97 ERA across 36 1/3 innings, looking like a completely different pitcher.
His latest outing? A vintage performance, delivered fittingly at Truist Park in Atlanta, where he spent four successful seasons with the Braves. Facing his old team, Morton held Atlanta to two runs over 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one mistake—a homer from Drake Baldwin—and striking out seven. His 19 whiffs, including 12 on his signature curveball, were season highs.
A Trade Chip Hidden in Plain Sight
Morton’s age and contract—he’s making $15 million this year—may seem like red flags. But for a contender in need of a postseason-tested arm, those might be worth overlooking.
Few pitchers have Morton’s October résumé, and even fewer are throwing the ball this well as the season wears on. With teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Orioles (if they pivot back to buying), and Phillies all eyeing pitching help, a reliable veteran like Morton could be a sneaky impactful addition.
Plus, he’s on an expiring deal. That makes him the definition of a rental. Baltimore could eat some salary to sweeten the return, or they could move him as-is to a team with room to absorb the final few million on his contract.
Baltimore’s Deadline Picture
Whether the Orioles actually pull the trigger on a sell-off remains to be seen. They’re loaded with young talent and not entirely out of the AL Wild Card race, but at 36-47 and buried in a brutal AL East, the math isn’t in their favor. Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins could draw real interest. Relievers like Andrew Kittredge, Seranthony Domínguez, and Gregory Soto all fit the mold of deadline bullpen upgrades.
But Morton? He might end up being the unexpected X-factor. He’s pitching well, he’s healthy, and he’s proven. And he just reminded a former team—and the rest of the league—that he still has plenty left in the tank.
If the Orioles sell, don’t be surprised if Charlie Morton becomes one of the more under-the-radar arms to change teams this deadline. And if he does? There’s a good chance he’s starting a key game in October.
