**The Best Free Agent Starting Pitcher on the Market: Charlie Morton**
The 2024-25 offseason has been a whirlwind for starting pitchers, with almost every starter signing a contract that exceeded expectations. Despite this, several teams are still looking to add pitching help this winter, and one of the most attractive options on the free agent market is 41-year-old right-hander Charlie Morton.
Morton, who has developed into one of the most durable starters in the game, has a remarkable track record of success over the past eight seasons. With a 3.64 ERA and nearly matching 3.63 FIP, he ranks ninth among starters with at least 1,000 innings during that span. His astonishing 27.4% strikeout rate ranks sixth, just behind some of the best starters in the game.
Despite his consistent performance, Morton has flown under the radar in recent years. He last entered free agency in the 2020-21 offseason, when he limited his market to the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays to stay close to family. Since then, he has signed consecutive short-term contract extensions with the Braves to remain with the team.
Morton’s time in Atlanta has been marked by a consistent level of performance, with a 3.87 ERA and 3.92 FIP in 686 1/3 innings. While he had top-rotation production in 2021 and 2023, he was near league average in 2022 and 2024. Even in those down years, Morton’s durability makes him a quality rotation option, just like other veterans like Kyle Gibson and Martin Perez.
Morton stands out among the remaining starters on the market as the best of both worlds. He has the floor of a strong back-rotation veteran and the ceiling of a playoff-caliber starter. His numbers over the past two years are actually very similar to those of Max Scherzer, with a 3.81 ERA and 4.29 FIP compared to Scherzer’s 3.96 ERA and 4.23 FIP.
While there is always risk involved when signing a pitcher who has already turned 41, Morton’s impressive durability and consistent record of success make him an attractive proposition and a prospect on the free agent market right now. His plans for the 2025 season are still up in the air, but it appears he could end up playing for a team other than the Braves.
**FAQs**
Q: What is Charlie Morton’s track record of success?
A: Morton has a remarkable track record of success over the past eight seasons, with a 3.64 ERA and 3.63 FIP, and an astonishing 27.4% strikeout rate.
Q: Does Morton have any restrictions on where he can play?
A: Yes, Morton reportedly prefers to play for a team that holds spring training in Florida so he can stay close to home for more of the season.
Q: Which teams could be potential destinations for Morton?
A: The Orioles, Astros, Tigers, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Pirates, Cardinals, and Nationals are all teams that could be potential destinations for Morton, as they all compete in the Grapefruit League in the spring.
**Conclusion**
Charlie Morton is the best free agent starting pitcher on the market, with a remarkable track record of success and impressive durability. While there is always risk involved when signing a pitcher who has already turned 41, Morton’s consistent performance makes him an attractive proposition and a prospect on the free agent market right now. As he weighs his options for the 2025 season, Morton is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
