The Atlanta Braves brought back fan-favorite Charlie Morton early this week, perhaps giving the veteran a chance to walk away with the franchise that started his career. In a series of fallout moves Jhancarlos Lara was optioned while Carson Ragsdale was designated for assignment. Neither of these is a surprising move for a group of Atlanta pitchers who are far from proven options. The Braves have desperately attempted to make it to the end of the season by bringing in failing pieces or elevating players who aren't ready for the moment.
Ragsdale has a 24.00 ERA this season, pointing to the fact that the Braves only had the reliever on the roster out of pure desperation. For Lara, the pitcher is still a limited option, not offering a wide array of pitches and being a clear, inexperienced option. With this in mind, neither move is surprising as the Braves add Morton back to the active roster for the final week of the 2025 season. Making it fair to wonder if the starter is joining the franchise to retire as a Brave after an incredibly rough year with the Orioles and Tigers.
Braves Make Flurry of Pitching Moves Around Charlie Morton's Return
These weren't the only noteworthy moves the Braves made this week, with Connor Seabold being designated for assignment after Joel Payamps was claimed off waivers. The Brewers reliever was once a productive piece, and Atlanta is hoping to rediscover a bit of value in a player that a contender was all too ready to give up on. With this in mind, Atlanta's offseason direction is clear.
No matter how Payamps or Morton might look in the final week of the season the Braves first offseason priority needs to be fixing the bullpen and end of hte rotation. It is sad to watch a previously great franchise attempt to put together innings by consistently claiming failing pieces.
It speaks both to the injuries that have ravaged the rotation and a complete lack of investment in the bullpen. This showed up from the very first series in the 2025 season and has continued to haunt the Braves throughout the year. These moves serve as evidence of that and a reminder of the urgency that must be brought into the offseason.
For Morton, it seems likely that this is the final time we will see the veteran in an MLB uniform. Joining the Braves suggests retirement after an incredible career that will forever be remembered by Atlanta for the starter's impact on the 2021 World Series run.