Braves $20 million All-Star ‘intends’ to pitch in 2025, per insider

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Will one Atlanta Braves veteran end up finding another opportunity this winter?

Longtime Braves starter Charlie Morton logged a 4.19 ERA in 2024 but is now 41 years old. He made $20 million as a member of the Braves in 2024 and now is a free agent. Could he return to the Braves?

Nothing can be ruled out at this point, although that does seem unlikely. There were rumblings that Morton could hang up his cleats after 17 big-league seasons, but he reportedly “intends” to pitch in 2025, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

“Charlie Morton, right-hander: He intends to pitch next season at 41 and remains a reliable innings eater with strikeout ability,” Passan said. “He’ll get a one-year deal with a contender.”

It wouldn’t be too shocking to see him get an opportunity. Morton made 30 starts in 2024 despite being 40 years old. He also made 30 starts in 2023 and had a 3.64 ERA. He may not be an All-Star-level player any longer, but he is someone who can help solidify the back of a contender’s starting rotation.

Atlanta may end up needing a starting pitcher, with Max Fried also a free agent. It seems more than likely that Fried is going to sign elsewhere. If the Braves could have Morton re-sign on a deal much cheaper than the one he had last year, maybe a reunion could make sense.

It’s unclear at this point if he will be back, but he has been an important piece for Atlanta over the last four years. Maybe a reunion could be on the way?

More MLB: Braves urged to sign projected $15 million future Hall of Famer

Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy’s experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree.