Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton has signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, as announced on Friday. The 41-year-old pitcher, known for his standout performance in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series with the Houston Astros, brings a wealth of experience to the Orioles' rotation as he enters his 18th major league season.
Joining Morton in bolstering the Orioles' pitching staff is 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano of Japan, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal earlier in the offseason. This move comes after the departure of Corbin Burnes, the team's ace in 2024, who secured a lucrative $210 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks last month.
Morton boasts a career record of 138-123 and is coming off a season with the Atlanta Braves where he pitched 165 1/3 innings, finishing with an 8-10 record and a 4.19 ERA. Notably, he is one of only four pitchers to have made at least 30 starts in each full season since 2018, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, alongside José Berríos, Patrick Corbin, and Aaron Nola. Over the past four years with the Braves, Morton posted a 45-34 record with a 3.87 ERA.
Having previously played for the Braves, Astros, Rays, Phillies, and Pirates, Morton brings a wealth of experience and a track record of consistency to the Orioles' pitching staff. In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated catcher Rene Pinto for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster.
Orioles general manager Mike Elias has a history of bringing in veteran starters on one-year deals, with Burnes being acquired in a trade from the Brewers last season. Previous signings include Kyle Gibson in 2023 and Jordan Lyles in 2022. Despite making the playoffs in the past two seasons, the Orioles have faced early exits, being swept in their initial series each time.
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