Former Rays All-Star starting pitcher signs one-year deal with Orioles

You can't talk about the Rays 2019 and 2020 postseason runs without mentioning veteran starting pitcher, Charlie Morton. In playoff starts for the Rays, Morton has a 5-1 record, with the only loss coming in the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His impressive two-year tenure in Tampa Bay instantly made him a fan-favorite, so it will be interesting to see him back in the AL East with the Rays division rival.

Charlie Morton signs one-year, $15 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have acquired Charlie Morton with a one-year deal out of free agency. The 41-year old starting pitcher will join the sixth team of his long career and attempt to continue his consistency. The New Jersey native began his career when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves at the age of 19.

The New Jersey native began his career when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves at the age of 19. Morton started a long road through the Atlanta farm system, as he had master the learning curves of professional baseball. Finally, in 2008, the right-handed hurler was promoted to Triple-A Richmond and performed very well, recording a 2.05 ERA in 12 starts. He received the call to the big leagues with Atlanta, but his fortunes were not the same, as struggles in his rookie year led to him being traded to the Pirates.

Morton would play for two more clubs after Pittsburgh, building on each campaign. His best season actually came with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. The Rays acquired the 35-year old via free agency with a two-year, $30 million contract. It would wind up being one of the best free agent deals in franchise history.

In his 2019 season, Morton led all Rays pitchers in wins (16) and strikeouts (240). In fact, the All-Star was top-10 in the MLB in both categories, as he finished in the top-3 in Cy Young voting, behind former teammate, Gerrit Cole and 2019 award winner, Justin Verlander.

Charlie Morton has never been able to replicate his 4.9 WAR season in Tampa Bay, but he has continued to be a model of consistency throughout his career. This is exactly why he received this contract at well past his prime, as the Orioles look to fill the veteran in at the back-end of their rotation.