*Photo from the Tampa Bay Times*
The Atlanta Braves have signed RHP Charlie Morton to a one year, $15 million deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Morton, who had his $15 million option for the 2021 season declined by the Rays shortly after the world series ended, signs for that exact value with a team a few hours north. Morton was drafted by the Braves in 2002 and made his major league debut for the Braves in 2018. The Braves have confirmed the deal.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos addressed the signings of Morton and pitcher Drew Smyly, who signed last week, saying that "We had an extremely short list of starting pitchers we would consider, basically two to three. And obviously we got two, these were the two guys that were at the top of our list, Charlie and Drew."
Anthopoulos also addressed the pitching depth in Atlanta that has been bolstered as a result, saying that "It’s going to be a longer season than it was this past year with 60 games, depth is critically important. Whoever you think your five is going to be going into Spring Training, I can pretty much guarantee you those five will not be standing upright by the time you break for Opening Day. You want to have at least six you feel good about."
Morton had a solid 2020 season with the Rays, pitching to a 2-2 record with a 4.74 ERA and 38 innings pitched in 9 starts, striking out 42 hitters. Across Morton's 13 year major league career, he has a 93-89 record with a career ERA of 4.03, throwing 1,439 1/3 innings and striking out 1,276 hitters across that span. Morton has suited up for the Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, the Rays, and now Atlanta once again.
The Braves rotation now features the recovering Mike Soroka, Max Fried, and Morton slated at the top, with Ian Anderson likely getting a spot as well, leaving Smyly, Kyle Wright, and Bryse Wilson vying for the last spot in the rotation in Atlanta, giving them a full dose of starting pitching, which they didn't have very often last season.
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