The Braves welcome back their ace today as Spencer Strider toes the rubber for the first time in 376 days. His presence is much-needed, as the back-end of the rotation leaves a lot to be desired with Reynaldo Lopez potentially out for the remainder of the season.
The Braves decided not to add a starting pitcher this offseason, a decision that looks a bit foolish today. Max Fried expected to sign a lucrative deal. Many fans accepted he’d be playing elsewhere, but there was reason to believe Anthopoulos would give Charlie Morton another one-year deal to sure up the back of the rotation, especially with the unknowns of Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson, as well as Spencer Strider’s rehab.
Eventually, news broke that Morton inked a one-year contract worth $15 million to join the Orioles. It surprised many when a report came out that the Braves never even offered Uncle Chuck a deal.
“After thoroughly enjoying the past four seasons in Atlanta, Charlie Morton hoped to finish his career with the Braves. But after the 41-year-old decided early in the offseason that he’d like to keep pitching and not retire, there was no offer from the Braves,” David O’Brien of The Athletic wrote.
Charlie Morton filled every role imaginable over his four seasons in Atlanta, going from frontline starter and toeing the rubber in Game 1 of the World Series to a back-of-the-rotation arm that provided stability.
He made at least 30 starts in each of his four seasons, totaling 686.1 innings and a 3.87 ERA. Though he did struggle at times in 2024, going 8-10 with a 4.19 ERA in 30 starts, and his play has continued to taper off in 2025.
Charlie Morton has started four games and allowed 18 earned runs over 18.1 innings, which comes out to a putrid 8.84 ERA. His 5.75 FIP suggests he’s been a bit unlucky, but his 1.909 WHIP is very telling. Morton is amid the worst stretch of his career; it’s the first time he’s ever given up four or more earned runs in six consecutive starts.
Alex Anthopoulos should be criticized for leaving the bullpen untouched after A.J. Minter left in free agency and Joe Jimenez underwent surgery. He deserves some of the blame for handing Jurickson Profar a lucrative multi-year contract as well, but the decision to let Charlie Morton walk looks like a good one so far.
—
