Most supporters were aware that Charlie Morton might not return in 2024. Following an injury that kept him out of the 2023 NLDS, Morton evaluated his desire to play baseball in the winter.
Ultimately, Morton made the decision to return to MLB for a 17th season, and the Atlanta Braves exercised his $20 million option for the 2024 campaign. Ground Chuck hasn’t said whether or not this season will be his farewell tour, but some information we uncovered over the weekend suggests Charlie may soon be retiring.
Charlie Morton’s last year could be 2024, according to Ken Rosenthal
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared a ton of information from his recent conversation with Charlie Morton during a recent appearance on Foul Territory. Rosenthal claimed that retirement following the season felt “more than ever before” after chatting with Morton.
Given that he turns 41 this season, it makes sense that Morton has been openly discussing retirement for the past several seasons. However, this interview with Rosenthal seemed to suggest that Morton felt stronger than ever before retirement at the end of this season.
Morton talked about how much he misses spending time with his children and how he doesn’t want to miss seeing them grow up. Charlie’s popularity among baseball fans can be attributed to this very reason.
Morton continued by talking on the unpredictable season that has been 2024. Morton has produced more than respectable stats, especially given that he is currently the Braves’ fourth starter. Morton did, however, admit that he has had trouble defining himself as a pitcher this year.
Morton acknowledged that he is throwing differently now that he is aware of his declining velocity and that he is trying to work more East/West by using more cutters and sliders. Morton’s overall velocity drop is roughly one mph. That might not sound like much, but batters are benefiting greatly from him in that regard.
Morton produced a 42.0 whiff% and a 22.5 whiff% with his curveball and four-seam fastball in 2023. Baseball Savant reports that this season, those figures have dropped to 34.3 whiff% for his curveball and 18.0 whiff% for his four-seamer.
Fans probably expected a decline in Charlie’s output, but as a person, he may find it harder to accept that. Charlie has performed admirably in his job with the Braves, and we have faith in him to step up when necessary. Even though Morton isn’t thrilled with the way the season has started, one thing about Charlie that is certain is that he has become an expert at changing who he is as time goes on.
The majority of supporters believe Charlie Morton can adjust once more and have a successful 2024. And it was one hell of a ride, assuming that’s all she wrote for ground chuck.
