Atlanta Braves News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Charlie Morton Has Emerged As A Top Talent

Originally posted on The Cold Wire | By Sam Leweck | Last updated 10/26/21

The Atlanta Braves are four wins away from claiming the 2021 World Series title.

The club is working on a magical postseason, and several players are to thank.

Charlie Morton is one of them.

The righty has made a massive impact for Atlanta in 2021, and he’s still going.

It’s time for fans to recognize the 37-year-old as a top talent.

Morton’s Run With The Braves This Season Is Poetic

Morton and the Braves have a lot of history.

Atlanta rolled the dice on the hurler in the third round of the 2002 MLB Draft, and he made his MLB debut with the organization in 2008.

However, his first stint with the Braves didn’t last long.

After pitching to a 6.15 ERA in his rookie season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The veteran spent more than a decade away from the Braves before ultimately returning to the team for the 2021 campaign.

Poetically, after a long journey around the league, he’s back where he belongs, and he’s on the verge of helping his first MLB team win its first World Series title since 1995.

Morton’s Season At A Glance

Morton had a rocky 2020 campaign, and a lot of folks were ready to write him off as a result.

Given his age, maybe that wasn’t a crazy thing for fans to do.

But it’s safe to say that Morton has silenced the doubters this year.

Over 33 starts in the regular season, he posted a 3.34 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 1.05 WHIP, and 4.0 bWAR.

He also fanned 216 batters in 185.2 innings, giving him a nine-inning strikeout rate of 10.5.

Charlie F'n Morton, Unhittable 81mph Curveball…and Sword. pic.twitter.com/KwU7QfioJy

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 4, 2021

But his campaign didn’t end in the regular season, obviously.

Morton has made three starts in the 2021 playoffs.

Largely, the results have been good.

He has allowed two runs in all three of his postseason outings and has a 3.77 ERA to show for it.

Barring something unforeseen, he’ll get the ball in the World Series at least once (and possibly multiple times).

He’ll have a chance to etch his name into Braves lore with a strong showing in the Fall Classic.

But no matter what, there’s no debating that the two-time All-Star has been an invaluable addition for the Braves in 2021.

What’s Next For Him?

Well, right now, Morton’s focus is surely on the task at hand: the World Series.

But after this season ends, his future isn’t in question.

His strong 2021 campaign earned him a contract extension with the Braves last month.

The deal will keep him with Atlanta through at least 2022, and it includes a club option for 2023.

Veteran starter Charlie Morton, who was being eyed by teams on the free-agent market, signs a one-year $20 million contract extension to stay with Atlanta along with a $20 million club option in 2023.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 6, 2021