Today at 9:15am the Atlanta Braves signed Charlie Morton to a 1 year deal worth $15 million. Charlie Morton is coming off a 2019 season which he threw a 4.74 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with a 3.45 FIP and a 9.95 K/9. He pitched great in the playoffs however, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.59 FIP and a 10.35 K/9. Morton previously was in the Braves organization from 2002-2009. He also played for the Pirates, Phillies, and Astros before joining the Rays in 2019, where he inked himself a 2 year deal worth $30 million with a 3rd year option, which was declined this offseason, putting him into Free Agency.
This move significantly improves the Braves rotation. As of right now, the projected Braves rotation seems to be : Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Mike Soroka, Charlie Morton, Drew Smyly. Of course the rotation will be determined by how well their offseason go and how well Spring Training goes and gets them back in shape. This move can almost certainly make sure there are no un-established rookies that the Braves may have to throw out for a playoff game, barring injuries of course.
Overall this move is great for Atlanta, although it’s a bit more expensive than what most were expecting. Morton will help that playoff rotation severely.
