Charlie Morton, 40, who started 30 games at the ripe old age of 40, will remain an active player through the 2024 season. The Atlanta Braves will exercise Morton’s option.
According to ESPN, the Atlanta Braves have exercised Morton’s $20 million club option for the 2024 season.굿모닝토토
As a result, Morton will spend the 2024 season in Atlanta instead of becoming a free agent. His salary is $20 million. That’s not a lot of money.
Morton, in his 16th year in the majors, pitched 163 1/3 innings in 30 games this season, going 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA. He has 183 strikeouts.
Atlanta appears to have decided that Morton still has some life in his ball. In fact, Morton has walked fewer batters and struck out more batters than he has pitched.
However, Morton was injured this fall and hasn’t pitched in a postseason game since. At 41 years old, he’ll need to be more cautious of injuries.
Atlanta had a record-breaking season this year, but fell just short of the National League Division Series (NLDS).
As a result, there’s a lot of talk about the need to add to the starting rotation this winter. Exercising the club option on Morton could lead to the team protecting its existing starting rotation.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is believed to be the favorite to land right-handed starter Sonny Gray in free agency.