(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves were, by far, the best team of the regular season with 104 wins.
However, and for a second consecutive year, they were unable to translate that success to the playoffs and lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series.
For one reason or another, they have recently failed to show up to the playoffs fully healthy or in their best form.
But they know they are on the right path, and part of that is because they have quality players all over the roster.
A big part of a successful offseason is retaining top-end talent, and even though he wasn’t exactly cheap, that’s what they just did with right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton.
“Atlanta is exercising its $20 million option on right-hander Charlie Morton, sources tell ESPN. There was significant discussion within the organization about declining it, but ultimately the Braves decided to bring back Morton, who is beloved in Atlanta, for another season,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
Atlanta is exercising its $20 million option on right-hander Charlie Morton, sources tell ESPN. There was significant discussion within the organization about declining it, but ultimately the Braves decided to bring back Morton, who is beloved in Atlanta, for another season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 6, 2023
Morton had a successful season in Atlanta, making 30 excellent starts with a 3.64 ERA.
He finished with a 14-12 record in 163.1 innings in which he walked 83 hitters and struck out 183.
Morton will turn 40 in a few days, though, so steep decline is a possibility in 2024.
Still, the Braves trust that he can remain an effective starter next year and act as a de-facto coach for the younger kids.
Morton has had an amazing career and was actually part of the Braves roster when they won the World Series two years ago, in 2021.
He certainly wants to re-live the experience in 2024.
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