The Baltimore Orioles and veteran Starting Pitcher Charlie Morton agreed to a one-year $15 million deal on Friday night. Morton comes to the “Charm City” following a four-year stint with the Atlanta Braves that included winning the 2021 World Series.
Morton was 8-10 with a 4.19 ERA last season with the Braves. It was his first time finishing with a below .500 record since the 2014 season. Morton is a two-time MLB All-Star(2018, 2019) and also won the 2017 World Series as a member of the Houston Astros. How will Morton fit in with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025?
How Will Morton and the Baltimore Orioles G0?
Right-hander Charlie Morton and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The Orioles' rotation now includes Morton, Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano and a variety of others who will vie for innings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 3, 2025
Morton joins a Baltimore Orioles team coming off their second consecutive trip to the MLB Playoffs. They finished 91-71 but were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Wild-Card Round. Baltimore’s pitching staff did their job against the Royals allowing only three runs as their offense let them down. Morton enters an Orioles pitching staff that was average in 2024. They were 14th in ERA, 11th in opposing batting average, and 13th in strikeouts.
Morton joins Baltimore’s starting rotation alongside Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. Baltimore is also full of talented players in their lineup including young stars Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. It will not be easy for Morton to find his way in a crowded Orioles pitching staff. The 41-year-old will look to turn the clock back in Baltimore to have a consistent role with the team.
Final Thoughts
The Baltimore Orioles should be a force to be reckoned with in the American League again this season. Morton will give a young Baltimore team a veteran presence as they look to take the next step in their progression as a ballclub. The Orioles have the sixth-best odds to win the 2025 World Series, and with the signing of Morton, they have taken another positive step toward that lofty goal.
