MLB Rumors: Charlie Morton, Braves Agree to Contract in Free Agency

After the Tampa Bay Rays declined a $15 million option for veteran starter Charlie Morton, a number of teams were intrigued by the 37-year-old. However, the Atlanta Braves reportedly nabbed him.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported Tuesday that Atlanta signed Morton to a one-year, $15 million contract. Morton finished third in 2019 American League Cy Young Award voting. 

MLB.com's Mark Bowman noted Monday that Morton could get a short-term deal from the Braves, featuring as a headliner in a starting rotation that will include 2019 All-Star Mike Soroka, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, and the 26-year-old Max Fried, who had a breakout year 2020 (7-0, 2.25 ERA).

Feinsand reported Nov. 9 that "at least eight to 10 teams" had shown interest in Morton.

Morton was 2-2 in nine starts this season, posting a 4.74 ERA by allowing 20 earned runs through 38 innings, also striking out 42 and walking 10 before the Rays won the American League pennant. The MLB journeyman has played for five teams in his 13 seasons.

The Rays also declined a $4.5 million option for catcher Mike Zunino and are reportedly open to trading 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, who is on the books for $39 million over the next three seasons.