Charlie Morton pitching again in 2025 caught a lot people by surprise when the news broke. Once it was clear Morton was pitching again next season many assumed it would be with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent the last four seasons.
With more and more free agent pitchers coming off the market, Morton is slowly becoming one of the better arms available. However, according to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Morton returning to Atlanta doesn't sound nearly as likely as it once did.
Braves haven't kicked the tires on Charlie Morton...yet
O'Brien reported that the Braves haven't had any recent talks with Morton and it's becoming clear that he could spend 2025 pitching somewhere outside of Atlanta. This could mean a number of things for the Braves. It's possible the club is simply aiming higher for now and plan to circle back to Morton later in the offseason. It's also possible the front office see the decline in Morton's stuff and is avoiding a reunion because they anticipate a steep fall-off.
Charlie Morton hoped to finish career with #Braves, but there haven't been any recent talks with team and the 41-year-old free agent could pitch elsewhere in 2025https://t.co/Q6T90lZ26X
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 11, 2024
Depending on how much money Alex Anthopoulos has to spend Morton could be a cheap rotation option that allows them to make a bigger move for a corner outfielder. Unfortunately for Charlie, the Braves have some young internal pitching prospects that have a higher ceiling should they get an opportunity.
Morton has a strong desire to continue pitching close to his Florida home, so if a Braves reunion isn't in the cards then a new home with any of the east coast teams could work Morton. Either way pitching is flying off the market and Morton showcased enough last year that he'll get a chance at the backend of a team's rotation.
Morton owns a 3.87 ERA over his past four seasons with the Braves, and reached the 2,000 career strikeout threshold last season. No matter what 2025 holds and where Morton ends up pitching, it's been a more than solid career for ground Chuck.