MLB Rumors: Charlie Morton Would Sign Free-Agent Contract 'For the Right Team'

Veteran starter Charlie Morton is willing to return to the majors in 2025, as long as he's in a specific environment that suits himself.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Thursday that Morton is targeting "the right team" to spend the 2025 season with in free agency.

ESPN's Jeff Passan previously revealed on Nov. 12 that the 41-year-old "intends" to pitch next season and isn't planning to retire just yet.

Morton served as a consistent rotation piece for the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and 2023, but he dealt with inconsistency during his 2024 campaign.

In 30 starts, he finished with a record of 8-10 to go along with a 4.19 ERA and 1.325 WHIP. His average of 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings represented his lowest mark since the 2015 season, striking out 167 batters while allowing 65 walks in 165.1 innings of work.

Morton particularly struggled down the stretch of the regular season, posting a 4.73 ERA and allowing nine home runs during his final 10 starts of the year.

Still, the two-time All-Star proved himself as a dependable rotation option that can absorb innings in the past and shouldn't have much difficulty finding a team willing to offer him a short-term deal.

A return to Atlanta may not be one of his preferred outcomes in free agency, as Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported on Dec. 12 that a "lack of talks between him and the Braves is an indication that he's increasingly likely to pitch elsewhere."

As the pitching market starts to shrink in free agency, Morton will be looking for the right situation before joining a team for his upcoming 2025 campaign.