Atlanta Braves Lock Up Veteran Starter With New Contract

Father Time hasn't had much of an effect on Atlanta Braves' veteran starter Charlie Morton. At the age of 38, he was still a rock-solid member of the starting staff this season. Now he'll be back at least for another year after the Braves signed him today to a new deal.

The Atlanta #Braves today signed RHP Charlie Morton to a one-year contract worth $20 million for the 2023 season, with a $20 million club option for 2024 that does not include a buyout. pic.twitter.com/BnNgQmcv5q

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 30, 2022

It's a one-year contract worth $20M, with another $20M club option for 2024 with no buyout. 

Morton is in his 15th season in the big leagues, and to say he's held up well in his two seasons in Atlanta is an understatement. Last year, he started a major league-leading 33 games, and has followed that up with another 30 games on the hill thus far this season. 

He's posted a 4.29 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, and cracked the 200 strikeout mark once again—his 4th straight full season to surpass that threshold. 

Morton has been like fine wine, getting better with age. 

Charlie Morton was 46-71 with a 4.54 ERA going into his age-33 season.

He has since gone 70-30 with a 3.52 ERA, made 2 All-Star Games, won 2 World Series, and will now potentially pitch into his age-40 season. https://t.co/ZdrmRghaWW

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) September 30, 2022

As noted by Danny Vietti, Morton was 46-71 with a 4.54 ERA before turning 33, and 70-30 with a 3.52 ERA, along with two All-Star berths and two World Series titles, since. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports