The Atlanta Braves have offered a one-year deal worth $15 million to pitcher Charlie Morton, who played for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
The 37-year-old right-hander has made a name for himself in recent years as a star in the clutch. He won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series while playing for the Houston Astros and won Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last season with the Rays.
The Braves were one game away from a World Series berth this season and were short on pitchers for most of the postseason. However, with recently signed free agent Drew Smyly and the addition of Morton, Atlanta might have one of the best rotations in baseball right now, at least on paper.
According to reports from Tampa, the Rays wanted to re-sign Morton, but Atlanta simply offered more money and the Rays were not willing to match. Morton was originally drafted by the Braves in 2002 and made his first professional start with them in 2008.
Over the last two seasons in Tampa, Morton went 18-8 with a 3.33 ERA. Coaches have also praised Morton for his willingness and ability to work with and help in the development of younger pitchers on the staff.
