Charlie Morton

Morton's 2020 numbers were poor, without question. He was limited to just 38 regular season innings because of a shoulder injury, and pitched to a 4.74 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. His velocity was way down early in the season (when he got hit hard) and trickled up after he returned, but he got back to his normal 95 MPH fastball in the postseason and totaled a 2.70 ERA. Now 37 and with the Braves, the question is whether fantasy managers can write off Morton's down 2020 season considering his sterling post-season, or whether his age and injury history means they should avoid him. In reality, the answer is neither. Morton should still have gas left in the tank considering his playoff run, but should only be drafted as a value, meaning no earlier than a low-end SP3. Grab him there, at which point the risk-reward balance should reach an equilibrium.

Charlie Morton agrees to one-year deal with Atlanta Braves

Charlie Morton is in agreement on a one-year, $15 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, according to a report from MLB Insider Jeff Passan.

Fantasy Impact

Morton had a 4.74 ERA with the Rays in 2020, but he was coming off of three straight excellent seasons and his 3.45 FIP and .355 BABIP indicate some bad luck. The Braves have some high-end young talent in their rotation but struggled with depth after a number of injuries in 2020. Morton should slot into the rotation behind Ian Anderson, Max Fried, and Mike Soroka to give Atlanta one of the more enviable rotations in baseball.