The Atlanta Braves signed free agent starting pitcher Charlie Morton to a one-year, $15 million deal on Tuesday.
The deal for Morton, 37, is the largest free agent pact so far this offseason with movement in free agency slow out of the gate. The Braves also signed left-handed starter Drew Smyly to one-year, $11 million deal last week.
ESPN reported there are no incentives — or trade protections — in Morton’s deal.
Per reports, the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox were among the teams pursuing Morton.
Atlanta’s starting rotation would align with Max Fried and Mike Soroka as the top two starters and Morton, Ian Anderson and Smyly next in line.
Morton’s durability was a concern for the Tampa Bay Rays, who declined his 2021 option, clearing Morton to enter free agency.
Morton started nine games in the 2020 regular season and encountered shoulder issues. He posted a 4.74 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 38.0 innings pitched. He started four playoff games for the AL champion Rays and posted a 2.70 ERA.
