One of the biggest mistakes of the Atlanta Braves' 2025 offseason was parting ways with both Max Fried and Charlie Morton. The false belief was that improving health would cover for the loss of the two starters. A few months later, Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver and Reynaldo Lopez are all on the injured list. This, while Max Fried is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with the Yankees.
Charlie Morton landed with the Baltimore Orioles and got off to a brutal start before turning things around in the last weeks of the season. Even after a recent tough start, the veteran has a level of trade value that the Braves could have benefited from. Morton is a World Series winner and has a ton to offer a contending roster, even if he doesn't factor into your postseason rotation. With the Orioles rivaling the Braves for the most frustrating season, selling the 41-year-old pitcher is a no-brainer.
Former Braves Starter Charlie Morton Likely to Land with Contender
Morton will always be remembered and appreciated by Atlanta fans for being a stabilizing force and for his contributions to a World Series run. This included gutting out an impressive out after suffering a broken leg in a World Series start — a legacy-building moment that forever locked the veteran's legend status. While the Braves might have fond memories of Morton, the team is in no position to add the starter. Needing innings, Atlanta must turn to cheaper options while Morton is expected to land with a contender.
Putting the veteran at the end of your rotation is an ideal move for a contender. Morton isn't going to cost major prospects while offering you the consistent ability to eat innings and provide guidance for less experienced starters. Considering the pitcher is one of the oldest players in the league, this is a long list of potential starters who would benefit from having Morton in the dugout.
The interest Morton is generating even in a frustrating season speaks to what the team has lost. It is easy to wonder how different the year might look if the Braves had opted to retain both starters and not be content with the false belief that returning players would fix all roster issues.