ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Charlie Morton #50 of the Tampa Bay Rays (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Charlie Morton could be had by a number of contending teams.
The Tampa Bay Rays’ spreadsheets failed them in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as Kevin Cash’s decision to yank Blake Snell early contributed to their six-game downfall.
The Rays wasted no time getting rid of some of the dead weight, surprisingly parting ways with veteran starter Charlie Morton after two seasons.
Morton’s ERA jumped up a little bit this year, but his explosive fastball and filthy curveball can still get clutch postseason outs when called upon. These three teams might be able to bring him in and compete for a title.
These three teams might be in the hunt for Charlie Morton
3
Milwaukee Brewers
NL Central
The Brewers might’ve snuck into the postseason last year, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are arguably the most top-heavy playoff team in the league. Christian Yelich remains one of the game’s best offensive players, and the right-lefty combination of Devin Williams and Josh Hader is as nasty as they come. However, the cupboard is bare at several key areas on this roster, most notably in the starting rotation. If Milwaukee wants to avoid giving one of the big fish a huge contract, they can opt for a veteran short-term Band-Aid in Morton.
Brandon Woodruff and the surprising Corbin Burnes were able to pitch at above-average clips. Behind those two, it was a whole lot of nothing. If Morton is able to pitch like he did in Houston and Milwaukee finds a No. 4 starter they can rely on in the postseason, that would instantly solve the Brewers’ biggest issue when it comes to advancing in the playoffs. An economical veteran with playoff experience and a 98 mph heater, Morton makes too much sense.