Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton has reached an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles for a one-year contract worth $15 million. At 41, Morton, who famously contributed to Houston’s victory in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, aims to strengthen Baltimore’s starting rotation as he embarks on his 18th season in Major League Baseball.
This signing comes along with the recent addition of 35-year-old Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who signed a one-year deal valued at $13 million. The Orioles are looking to rebound after losing their ace Corbin Burnes, who recently signed a substantial $210 million contract with Arizona.
Morton brings a solid career record of 138 wins against 123 losses, having pitched 165 1/3 innings for Atlanta in the previous season with an 8-10 record and a 4.19 ERA. Notably, he is recognized as one of only four pitchers to start at least 30 games in each full season since 2018, excluding the shortened 2020 season. His performance over the past four seasons with the Braves showcased an impressive record of 45 wins to 34 losses with a 3.87 ERA.
Throughout his career, Morton has played for several major teams, including the Braves, Astros, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. In a move to accommodate Morton on their 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Rene Pinto for assignment.
As the Orioles look to bolster their pitching staff with seasoned players like Morton, fans are hopeful that his wealth of experience and talent will help elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming season. This fresh investment reflects the organization’s commitment to competing at a higher level.