Charlie Morton Landing Spots: 3 teams likely to pursue 2x All-Star after underwhelming season with Braves
Charlie Morton is unlikely to head back to the Atlanta Braves for a fifth straight season. The veteran achieved an 8-10 record this season with a 4.19 ERA. Per reports, there has been no progress in talks between the player and the team.
Most of Morton's career in the MLB was spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But he earned two World Series rings with the Houston Astros in 2017 and the Braves in 2021. He signed a $20 million contract with the latter in 2023, which was extended to a club option of the same amount for this year.
However, despite his contract situation, he has amassed 500 innings in the last three seasons and any team could do with starting pitching depth.
Let's look at the top three teams that can sign Morton.
Charlie Morton Landing Spots
#1, Houston Astros
The Astros have publicly stated that ace pitcher Framber Valdez could be on the move. If traded, they will be in need of pitching depth and a reunion with Charlie Morton perfectly fits the bill.
Morton had earned his first All-Star cap in Houston during the 2018 season when he recorded an incredible 15-3 record with a 3.13 ERA. He is definitely not the same pitcher he once was but could easily slot in behind Hunter Brown and Spencer Arighetti in the rotation.
#2, Tampa Bay Rays
As per David O'Brien of The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Rays are one of three favorites to sign Morton. Coincidentally, his second and final All-Star cap so far came in the 2019 season when he signed with the Rays.
Tampa Bay will also be an ideal location for Charlie and his family as they are based in Bradenton, FL. The only problem the Rays might face if they are all-in on Morton could be his contract size.
#3, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies had a near-perfect top-four starting rotation, but Taijuan Walker was a weak link. The pitcher went 3-7 with a damaging 7.10 ERA this year.
The Phillies have indicated that they are looking for a top prospect to replace him but could also pivot to Morton as an alternative to increase depth. Charlie Morton played in Philadelphia in 2016 for just four games before suffering a hamstring injury.