Braves Could Reunite With Familiar Face Amid Orioles’ Freefall
The Atlanta Braves have clawed their way back above the .500 mark in the NL East, but the roster still feels like it’s missing something — particularly when it comes to pitching depth.
While the Braves search for stability, the Baltimore Orioles have become the season’s biggest disappointment. With a 15-28 record, they recently parted ways with manager Brandon Hyde in a desperate attempt to shift course. However, Hyde’s firing may only be the start of broader changes in Baltimore.
Should the Orioles commit to a rebuild or at least retool for the future, one name could catch Atlanta’s attention for a potential reunion: Charlie Morton.
Braves Could Look to Morton Again If Orioles Sell
Morton, now 41, signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Baltimore this past offseason to help fill the void left by Corbin Burnes. But the results haven’t been promising. In 11 games (six starts), Morton has posted an 8.25 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP — numbers far below expectations.
Some of this decline could simply be due to age — after all, 41 is well past most pitchers’ primes. But it’s also possible that the change in environment played a role. Morton was a steady and dependable mid-rotation piece during his time with Atlanta and had proven success there. The old saying applies: sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
Interestingly, Orioles fans might actually be open to seeing Morton return to Atlanta, especially if it helps accelerate a youth movement.
Morton’s 0-7 record this season highlights just how difficult this stint has been. If the Orioles choose to part ways, the Braves would be wise to at least explore a potential return — even if it’s only via a minor-league deal with a path back to the majors. Morton came close to retiring last offseason, but if he opts to continue pitching, Atlanta might be his ideal destination given the familiarity and mutual trust.
Braves Still Need Rotation Depth
With both Morton and Max Fried leaving in free agency, the Braves are short on veteran starting options. While he may not instantly leapfrog Bryce Elder or AJ Smith-Shawver, Morton could provide valuable innings either in long relief or as a spot starter when injuries arise — which seems inevitable.
Atlanta has a clearer playoff path than Baltimore, something that could appeal to Morton at this stage in his career. The current Braves rotation is full of uncertainty: Spencer Strider has made just one start in 2025, Chris Sale’s durability remains a question, and Reynaldo López also carries injury concerns.
While Atlanta is developing several promising young arms, a veteran like Morton could serve as a stabilizing presence, even if he’s not an every-fifth-day starter anymore.
In the end, bringing back Morton would make sense for both sides. For Atlanta, it’s a low-risk move to add experience and depth. For Morton, it’s a chance to finish his career in a familiar setting with a legitimate contender.
It wouldn’t take much to make this happen — and it just might be what both parties need right now.
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