The Atlanta Braves failed to meet expectations in 2024. The squad may not be very active in free agency as they strive to be healthy in order to make a deep run in 2025.
While discussing the free agent pitcher class, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicted that the Braves will sign Charlie Morton for a one-year contract.
“It feels like Morton has been on the point of retiring for years, but he isn’t ready yet. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the veteran righty plans to return for his 18th season in 2025,” Rymer reported. “This doesn’t guarantee a fifth season with the Atlanta Braves, but they could surely use him. With Max Fried also a free agent and Spencer Strider needing more time to recover from elbow surgery, Morton has a space in the rotation.
Morton is 41 years old and starting his 18th year. He has started at least 30 games in the last four seasons. In 2024, he had a 4.19 ERA for the Braves. If he returns, he might play in the middle of the rotation next season.
Rymer projected that the Braves will bring him back on a one-year, $15 million contract. Morton and Justin Verlander are baseball’s oldest pitchers. Both are free agents. Morton is the more likely candidate to sign with the same team as last season.
Morton has been with the Braves for two stints. 2008 saw him make his Major League Baseball debut with the team. Before moving back to Atlanta in 2021, he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
