There’s one fewer pitching option for the Mets, and he’s going to one of their rivals.
Veteran All-Star Charlie Morton has signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, the team announced Tuesday morning. Morton, 37, was a key part of the Rays rotation during Tampa Bay’s run to the World Series. The Rays declined a $15 million option on Morton for 2021.
Morton gave up just one earned run across 15 2/3 innings in his first three starts of the 2020 playoffs, with 17 strikeouts against four walks. He then slipped up in Game 3 of the World Series, giving up five earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.
After being part of the scandal-scarred 2017 Astros World Series team, Morton earned All-Star honors the next two seasons, first with Houston and then with Tampa Bay. From 2017-19, Morton went 45-16 with a 3.24 ERA in 88 starts. He had a 4.74 ERA in nine starts for the Rays during the coronavirus-shortened 60-game 2020 season.
Morton, who began his MLB career with the Braves in 2008, was considered a possible option for the Mets as they look to boost their starting rotation under new owner Steve Cohen. Atlanta’s rotation is loaded with Morton, Mike Soroka — who’s coming off an Achilles injury — Max Fried, Drew Smyly and Ian Anderson.