The Atlanta Braves have reunited with right-hand pitcher Charlie Morton, further adding to an already stacked rotation. Braves announced the signing of Morton, who is fresh from a World Series trip with Tampa Bay Rays, on social media on Tuesday.
According to an official press release issued by the team, Morton inked a one-year deal with the franchise that will see him earn $15 million in 2021. He became available after the Rays decided to decline their club option to keep him in Tampa for one more season.
The 37-year-old Morton had a great run with Rays, posting an 18-8 record in 42 starts. He kept a career-best 3.33 ERA during his time with the organization while also having 282 strikeouts and making the All-MLB Second Team.
The Braves was the team that drafted Charlie Morton in the MLB, selecting him in the third round of the 2002 Entry Draft. Morton made his majors debut with Atlanta in 2008 but only made it to the mound in 16 games before being traded to Pittsburgh Pirates as part of the deal that brought Nate McLouth to Braves.
Morton spent seven years in Pittsburgh before embarking on stints with Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay.
During his MLB career, Morton compiled a 93-89 record with 4.08 ERA and 1,276 strikeouts. He has two All-Star appearances and has won the World Series with the Astros in 2017.
