Braves and Charlie Morton: Is a Reunion on the Horizon?

The Atlanta Braves are in a tough spot right now as the MLB season rolls on. Their starting pitching depth is stretched thin, and it’s starting to show.

Injuries and some underwhelming performances have left Atlanta scrambling for answers. There’s talk about bringing back veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, who’s found his groove again with the Baltimore Orioles.

A reunion with Morton could strengthen Atlanta’s rotation without forcing them to give up top prospects. It’s a move that’s bound to get more attention as the trade deadline gets closer.

Braves’ Troubled Rotation: Injuries and Inexperience Pile Up

Injuries have really hammered Atlanta’s rotation. Chris Sale, usually a reliable starter, landed on the injured list at possibly the worst time.

Bryce Elder’s inconsistency hasn’t helped either, making him a tough guy to trust right now. Manager Brian Snitker has even turned to Didier Fuentes, a talented but very raw 20-year-old who’s barely pitched above Low-A ball.

When everyone’s healthy, Atlanta’s top three starters look solid. But the back end of the rotation is a glaring weakness, and it’s hard to ignore for a team with World Series hopes.

The Case for a Veteran Stabilizer

Charlie Morton’s name keeps popping up. The 41-year-old started 2025 with the Orioles, but things got ugly—he went 0-5 with a sky-high 10.89 ERA.

Baltimore sent him to the bullpen, and surprisingly, that change seemed to help him find his old form. By mid-May, Morton was back in the rotation and pitching like someone 10 years younger.

  • Recent Form: Morton has gone 4-0 with a sharp 2.42 ERA over his last five starts.
  • Post-May 10 Surge: Since turning things around, he’s put up a 2.29 ERA and a 2.31 FIP, with 46 strikeouts in just 35.1 innings.
  • Proven Resilience: Morton’s comeback is a testament to his adaptability—even at 41, he’s still got it.

Morton isn’t the ace he used to be, but lately, he’s looked like a crucial piece for any contender. The Braves could use his experience and steady hand, especially when October rolls around.

Why a Charlie Morton Reunion Makes Sense

Morton’s on a one-year deal and, at his age, he’s not going to cost a fortune in prospects. That’s a big deal for Atlanta, especially compared to some of the flashier trade options out there.

The Orioles are 10 games under .500, stuck at the bottom of the American League. It’s almost certain they’ll be sellers at the deadline, so Morton should be available.

Low Risk, High Reward

Trading for Morton looks like a classic low-risk, high-reward play. He’s pitched for the Braves before (in 2021 and 2022), so he knows the team and what’s expected.

Since mid-May, he’s been consistent and reliable in big moments. That’s not something you can easily find at the deadline.

  • Innings Eater: Morton can eat up innings, giving some much-needed rest to the bullpen.
  • Deadline Efficiency: The Braves wouldn’t have to give up much, so their future plans stay intact.
  • Postseason Pedigree: Morton’s got October experience, which could be huge if the Braves make a deep run.

The Final Pitch: Should the Braves Make the Call?

The trade deadline’s coming up fast, and the Braves have a big decision to make. Honestly, it feels pretty obvious at this point.

Bringing Charlie Morton back would patch up their weakest spot. They wouldn’t even have to give up much to do it.

Morton’s pitching has looked sharp lately, which says a lot. The Braves’ rotation just isn’t reliable right now, and he could steady things.

Baltimore seems ready to move him. Atlanta might have a shot to get a familiar arm back when they need it most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Could a Braves reunion with Charlie Morton be in the cards?

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