Mark Bowman, the Braves’ beat writer for MLB.com reported Monday evening that the Braves have been “aggressively pursuing” starting pitcher Charlie Morton.
The Braves have been aggressively pursuing Charlie Morton as they attempt to further add to their rotation https://t.co/L9sojZPIJ7
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) November 23, 2020
Morton has been a popular name linked to the Braves, with how the 2020 season went in the starting rotation. This is a more concrete rumor connecting Atlanta to the right handed starter from one of the most reliable Braves sources. While the Braves have already signed a starter in Drew Smyly, and have Fried, Anderson, and a returning Soroka expected to be in the rotation, grabbing another veteran could be useful. This would likely put Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson on the outside looking in on the rotation, but Morton can be a difference-maker for the Atlanta, so some unproven arms shouldn’t prevent the Braves from making that move. It’s also worth mentioning that there have been some reports that the Braves are at least somewhat interested in trading for another Rays starter in Blake Snell, who Tampa Bay is reportedly open to trading, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Morton is on the older side, at 37, and had a lackluster 4.74 ERA in 2020, but his FIP, xERA, and xFIP were more in line with the quality starter he has been for years. Morton was also spectacular for the Rays in the playoffs, showing that he still has some gas left in the tank. Morton was rumored to have wanted to sign with Atlanta two years ago, and reportedly wants to stay in the southeast area to be close to his family. This would bode well for Atlanta being able to avoid bidding against the entire league for Morton’s services. Another appealing aspect of signing Morton is that he would likely be open to a short term deal, which this Braves front office has been very fond of under Alex Anthopoulos. Morton would likely be a good contributor to the team both on and off the field, without locking up long term money or blocking the prospects long term.
There are a few other tidbits in the Bowman article, including that Marcell Ozuna’s former agent was expecting a multi-year offer from the Braves in December before Ozuna changed agents. Agent reports are always laden with bias and somewhat unreliable, but this would make a lot of sense, and would be unlikely to change with the new agent. Bowman also reports that the Braves have shown some interest in Cubs’ third baseman Kris Bryant, but this could just be some due diligence from the Atlanta front office. Additionally, Mike Soroka has started throwing again, and is expected to be able to return sometime in the first month of the season, barring any setbacks.
Some positive content for your timeline, @Braves fans‼️
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) November 23, 2020
(via: @Mike_Soroka28 IG) pic.twitter.com/EFwFzxhasH