Max Fried Shines as Charlie Morton Struggles with Orioles

BALTIMORE, Md. — Left-hander Max Fried has delivered an impressive performance this offseason with the New York Yankees, while his former teammate Charlie Morton has faced considerable struggles with the Baltimore Orioles.

Morton has allowed just one run in his last five innings, yet his season ERA stands at an unfortunate 8.35. His 6.48 FIP and a career-high 1.882 WHIP underscore his difficulties on the mound. It’s clear the Atlanta Braves made the right call by not re-signing the 41-year-old pitcher.

Morton’s career stats with the Braves during his second tenure show a solid record of 45-34 and a 3.87 ERA from 2021 to 2024. His contributions during the Braves’ 2021 championship run included four starts, culminating in a painful World Series appearance where he broke his right fibula yet continued to pitch.

Last season, he offered stability in a rotation plagued by injuries, making 30 starts despite others like Fried and Reynaldo López missing games, and Spencer Strider being sidelined nearly all year. Morton ended 2024 with an 8-10 record and a 4.19 ERA, which ultimately did not persuade the Braves to retain him.

Atlanta deemed the extra room in the rotation more crucial than Morton’s experience, allowing him to leave for a contract that paid him $5 million less than his prior salary. This decision appears wise as they have benefitted from rookie AJ Smith-Shawver, who has a sparkling 1.50 ERA over his last 30 MLB innings.

In stark contrast, Morton has not found success with the Orioles, losing all six of his starts while slumping with a 10.22 ERA and a 2.068 WHIP. His escalating walk and home run rates, coupled with decreased strikeouts, further indicate a downward trend in his performance.

Morton’s struggles raise concern about his career’s trajectory, as he deserves better than this current situation. However, the Braves’ choice to let him go has proven to be the right decision as their rotation continues to thrive.