Charlie Morton, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
The Atlanta Braves announced that they have signed starting pitcher Charlie Morton to a one-year contract extension on Monday.
The Atlanta Braves hold onto a narrow lead over the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets with less than a month remaining in the regular season. Ahead of the postseason, the Braves decided to rewarded one of their starting pitchers with more money.
On Monday, the team announced that they have signed right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton to a one-year, $20 million contract extension that also includes a $20 million club option for the 2023 season.
Braves sign Charlie Morton to a one-year contract extension
After spending the previous two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Morton reached unrestricted free agency last winter. That was when the Braves swooped in to bolster their rotation, handing him a one-year deal worth $15 million.
The Braves needed Morton to man the top of the starting rotation, especially with Mike Soroka done for the 2021 season after he re-tore his Achilles tendon. Morton lived up to those expectations this year, and is being handsomely rewarded for his efforts.
Through 28 starts this season, Morton recorded a 3.47 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, 185 strikeouts and 51 walks over 158.0 innings of work.
Regardless of whether the Braves clinch a postseason berth or miss out on the playoffs altogether, the front office decided that Morton has played well enough for the team to invest in the pitcher for a maximum of two years, worth up to $40 million.