Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton has long been considered one of Major League Baseball's most resilient arms. In 2025, however, Morton has faced one of the toughest stretches of his accomplished career. Now pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, the 41-year-old right-hander is battling both declining effectiveness and questions about his future in the league.

From Braves Mainstay to Orioles Struggles

Charlie Morton spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, where he played a crucial role during their championship run and maintained steady production on the mound. His record from 2021 to 2024 (45-34 with a 3.87 ERA) cemented his reputation as a reliable starter. Despite last year's 4.19 ERA over 30 starts, Atlanta made a strategic decision to let Morton walk, choosing not to re-sign the veteran in the 2025 offseason.

This move proved controversial at the time but, as the year has unfolded, seems increasingly justified. According to a recent Sports Illustrated analysis, Morton’s performance has dramatically declined, with an ERA ballooning over 8.00, a WHIP near 2.00, and a winless record as a starter. The Braves, meanwhile, have benefited from their new pitching prospects and maintained competitiveness despite roster changes.

Breaking Down Morton's Pitching Woes

So what exactly has gone wrong for Charlie Morton in Baltimore? His struggles run deeper than simple bad luck. Recent performance breakdowns point to a steep decline in the effectiveness of his repertoire, especially his once-feared curveball. In 2025, Morton’s curveball usage has dropped to its lowest in six years, hovering around 34%. His fastball, now sitting at an average 94 mph, lacks the command and movement to keep hitters off balance.

Detailed analysis by Baltimore Sports and Life shows Morton has lost control over both his fastball and secondary pitches. He’s locating his fastball in the strike zone just 39.1% of the time, a sharp decline from last season’s 51.4%. Furthermore, a spike in hittable pitches—especially high in the zone—has led to more home runs and hard contact. His curveball’s chase rate is also down, meaning batters are no longer fooled by his signature breaking ball.

The issues extend beyond just two pitches. Morton’s sinker and cutter have both become liabilities, with right-handed hitters achieving daunting success against his sinker. These mechanical and command-related issues suggest the challenges are not just a short-term slump, but part of a broader decline linked to age and mileage.

Transition to the Bullpen

As Morton searches for solutions, his MLB role has begun shifting. After a string of tough outings as a starter, Morton recently moved to the bullpen. During a May appearance against the Angels, he delivered two scoreless innings in relief. While a small highlight, RotoWire reports that his future in the Orioles’ rotation is uncertain, especially as other pitchers return from injury.

This transition signals a possible new phase of Morton's career. A move to the bullpen might allow him to focus on shorter outings, utilize his curveball more aggressively, and reduce stress on his arm. However, whether this shift can revive his effectiveness remains to be seen.

What Lies Ahead for Charlie Morton?

Charlie Morton’s journey in 2025 is a compelling story of a veteran athlete at a crossroads. While some of his struggles may be attributed to bad luck or transition pains, multiple analyses suggest a more permanent decline. Whether he can adapt to a bullpen role or regain his form as a starter will determine his future in Major League Baseball.

One thing is clear: Morton’s perseverance and legacy as a professional remain respected by teammates and fans alike. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether he can make the necessary adjustments or if 2025 will mark the final chapter in his remarkable career.

For a deeper dive into Morton’s pitching mechanics and season stats, check out the detailed analysis from Baltimore Sports and Life and the latest Rotowire headlines.