Charlie Morton Eyes 18th MLB Season Despite Uncertain Future with Braves"

Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton is set on extending his illustrious career for an 18th big league season. After spending four years with the Atlanta Braves, Morton might need to find a new home for the upcoming year.

According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Morton and the Braves have not engaged in recent contract discussions. Initial talks took place shortly after the postseason, but it seems Atlanta has shifted its focus towards other outfield and pitching options. While Morton is open to joining a new team, he has a preference for franchises that conduct Spring Training near his home in Bradenton, Florida. This includes teams like the Blue Jays, Rays, Yankees, Phillies, Orioles, Pirates, and Tigers.

​Morton completed the past season under a $20 million club option. With a robust pitching market, he might need to accept a reduced salary this winter. Throughout 30 starts, Morton posted a 4.19 ERA over 165 1/3 innings, with a 23.8% strikeout rate and a 46.3% ground-ball percentage. Despite this solid grounder rate, his strikeout numbers have dipped over the last two seasons, down from 28.2% in 2022 to 25.6% in 2023.