Atlanta Braves Player Sends Message on Retirement After Career News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 5:40 PM ET

Entering Tuesday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals, the Atlanta Braves own a 74–83 record, set to miss the postseason for the first time since 2017. Although the season has been disappointing, the Braves have won nine of their last ten games, giving the franchise hope for a quick turnaround heading into the offseason.

The Braves have suffered a wave of injuries to the starting rotation and bullpen, leading the front office to give opportunities to big-league arms that didn’t cut it with their previous organizations just to get across the finish line. In the second half of the season, the club has added former All-Star closer Alexis Diaz, Cal Quantrill, Joel Payamps and Dane Dunning to join the organization and perhaps play a larger role in 2026.

However, one of the names the Braves recently added to the big-league roster, Charlie Morton, will not be around for the 2026 season as the 18-year veteran will be retiring at the season’s end. Atlanta signed Morton on Monday after he was released by the Detroit Tigers, marking a full-circle moment for Morton as he debuted for the Braves and will now finish his career with the club. This will mark his third stint with the organization.

Braves manager Brian Snitker revealed that Morton would be available on Tuesday out of the bullpen as he figures to make at least one appearance before his career ends ( h/t The Athletic’s David O’Brien). The 41-year-old right-hander sent a message as retirement nears, saying how it’s “surreal” to end up back in Atlanta and he’s trying “to soak it in.”

Charlie Morton, 41, entered this season fully intending for it to be his last, and said nothing has happened to change that. Said this is “surreal” coming back to #Braves, his 3rd team this season, and thinks he’ll get to pitch in a game. He’s thankful and trying “to soak it in.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) September 23, 2025

Morton’s 2025 season has been a disaster as his age has finally caught up to him. Over 32 appearances, Morton’s ERA sits at 5.89, which is the highest since his debut season in Atlanta back in 2008.

However, Morton’s second stint in Atlanta (2021–2024) was the most memorable run of his career as he was a solid arm for them and played a crucial role in the franchise’s 2021 World Series championship run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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