41-Year-Old Veteran Starting Pitcher Signs with the Orioles
Despite turning 41 this past November, longtime veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton made his intentions clear to enter free agency once again, hoping to sign with a contender for 2025. The right-hander entered free agency after spending the past four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, serving as a veteran presence alongside 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale in a rotation that included youngsters such as Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. After much consideration, it was announced by ESPN’s Jeff Passan that the Baltimore Orioles and Morton have agreed to a free-agent deal for one year, worth $15 million. The Orioles will be hoping that the addition of Morton helps strengthen their rotation, as they aspire to make a deep postseason run next season, as having an excellent and deep rotation goes a long way in determining who wins it all each year.
In his 17-year career, Morton has been a reliable starter in various team rotations, known for being a strikeout pitcher and a top-of-the-rotation arm earlier in his career. Entering his 18th season in 2025, Morton remains a highly accomplished starter, with a career 138-123 win-loss record, a 4.01 ERA, 2,047 strikeouts, and a 1.31 WHIP in 2,125.2 innings pitched. More recently, in his past four seasons with the Braves, Morton showcased his durability, making 30 or more starts and pitching over 165 innings each season. In his MLB career, Morton ranks 82nd all-time in strikeouts and needs just 12 more wins to reach 150 in his illustrious career. Additionally, Morton knows how to deliver in high-stakes situations, as evidenced by his two all-star selections and two World Series titles with the Houston Astros in 2017 and the Braves in 2021.
Entering 2025, the Orioles will be reaping the benefits of having Morton on their roster, as he will be a stabilizing presence in their rotation, making his start every fifth day throughout the season. Despite his age, Morton remains a reliable arm who can be trusted to keep his team in games in almost every outing, limiting damage when the pressure arises. Morton's experience and durability will be important assets to the Orioles, who have high expectations heading into next season. If Morton can avoid a decline in production in 2025, the veteran could play an impactful part in leading the Orioles to great success.
