The Atlanta Braves are facing a pivotal offseason as they aim to strengthen their starting pitching rotation. Spencer Strider, one of their top pitchers, is healthy and expected to take on a significant role as a potential Opening Day starter. However, Max Fried’s future with the team is uncertain as he approaches free agency, with no updates on contract extension talks. Charlie Morton, another key veteran, has been retained after the Braves exercised a $20 million option, despite his age and potential retirement considerations.
Additionally, the Braves have acquired Chris Sale, who is looking to bounce back from injuries, and Reynaldo López, who transitioned successfully from the bullpen to the rotation. While the team has promising talent, finding a replacement for Fried if he departs and potentially adding more depth will be critical challenges this winter.
The Atlanta Braves appear poised to prioritize retaining Max Fried, who is critical to their starting rotation, as he approaches free agency. While the team values his contributions, no concrete steps toward a new contract have been reported yet. In contrast, there has been less emphasis on re-signing Charlie Morton, though the team exercised his option for the 2024 season. Morton’s role might depend on his performance and the Braves’ ability to add additional pitching depth.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand speculates that Charlie Morton is likely to return to Atlanta for the 2025 season. This prediction stems from the expectation that the Braves may not successfully retain Max Fried, making Morton a valuable option for maintaining stability in the rotation. Morton’s experience and the Braves’ need for reliable pitching depth could make him an essential piece in the near future.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Max Fried is expected to leave Atlanta as he enters free agency, while 41-year-old Charlie Morton appears poised to return for another season. Despite his age, Morton is not ready to retire, and his presence could provide much-needed stability in the Braves’ rotation. Feinsand notes that Atlanta’s pitching staff will also include Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach, with newly acquired Griffin Canning likely contributing as well. However, Spencer Strider is projected to miss the start of the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
This situation underscores the Braves’ challenges in maintaining a competitive rotation, especially with Fried’s uncertain future and Strider’s recovery timeline.
Charlie Morton’s potential return to the Braves’ rotation in 2025 could be a practical move. The veteran right-hander demonstrated reliability last season, pitching 165.1 innings with a 4.19 ERA, solidifying his value in the rotation. Over his career with Atlanta, Morton has maintained a steady 4.09 ERA across 139 starts. His experience and consistency could be especially valuable as the Braves face uncertainty with Max Fried’s free agency and Spencer Strider’s recovery timeline.
Spotrac estimates Charlie Morton’s next contract to be a one-year deal worth $17 million, reflecting his steady production and value to the Braves. Given his role as a reliable veteran starter, the Braves could negotiate a slight discount, but paying this amount for 30 solid starts would be reasonable for Atlanta. Morton’s contributions, including his 4.19 ERA over 165.1 innings in 2024, make him a practical option for maintaining rotation depth amid uncertainty with other pitchers like Max Fried and Spencer Strider.
