With Max Fried’s departure, the Atlanta Braves face uncertainty in filling his spot in the rotation. While the team has options like Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear candidates for the back end of the rotation. Additionally, Spencer Strider, who is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing elbow surgery last April, will eventually rejoin the rotation.
Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, who turns 41 in 2025, has been a staple of the Braves’ rotation over the past four seasons. Although his performance slightly declined in 2024, Morton still provides valuable leadership to younger pitchers. The Braves have not aggressively pursued high-priced free agents, so Morton might be their most viable option to stabilize the rotation until Strider returns.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman suggests that Morton could be the “most realistic” free-agent acquisition for the Braves this offseason. While the team has considered other options, they might ultimately turn to Morton, who has expressed his willingness to pitch for at least one more season. Morton has played a key role in Atlanta’s pitching staff, helping to mentor younger arms like Strider and Schwellenbach. Though he may not be a frontline starter anymore, a one-year deal worth around $10 million could provide necessary rotation depth.
In 2024, Morton posted a 4.19 ERA and a 4.46 FIP in 30 starts, bringing his overall record with the Braves to 45-34 with a 3.87 ERA since rejoining the team in 2021. He was also a crucial part of the rotation that won the 2021 World Series. The question now remains whether it is worthwhile for the Braves to sign Morton to another one-year contract, a decision ultimately resting with general manager Alex Anthopoulos and the front office.
