Charlie Morton has long been a staple in Major League Baseball. Known for his sharp curveball and veteran presence, Morton entered the 2025 season with the Baltimore Orioles after a productive stint with the Atlanta Braves. However, this year hasn't gone as planned for the 41-year-old pitcher. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Morton’s current struggles, dissect his pitching, and look at what might be next for this experienced right-hander.

Morton’s 2025 Season: A Tough Road

Expectations were high when Charlie Morton signed a one-year deal with the Orioles. Unfortunately, his performance has raised many questions. Through his first six starts, Morton has posted an alarming 8.82 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP. These aren’t the numbers fans—or the Orioles—hoped for, especially from someone who made 30 starts with respectable results just last season.

Historically, Morton has delivered steady results. In his time with the Braves, he built a reputation as a reliable rotation piece, contributing an 8-10 record and 4.19 ERA in 2024. For more on the Braves’ offseason decisions and Morton's legacy, you can read this in-depth analysis on Sports Illustrated.

What’s Gone Wrong for Charlie Morton?

Several underlying issues stand out in Morton’s performance this year. His fastball velocity remains average, sitting around 94 MPH. More concerning, however, is his declining command. Morton has struggled to locate his fastball, finding the strike zone just 39.1% of the time—down from 51.4% last year. Batters have been quick to take advantage, putting up high fly-ball and home run rates against him.

The effectiveness of Morton's infamous curveball has also diminished. Instead of throwing it over 40% of the time as in past seasons, he’s now relying on it only about 34% of the time. Moreover, hitters are no longer chasing these breaking balls out of the strike zone as frequently, which makes his primary weapon less threatening. A detailed breakdown of Morton’s repertoire and struggles can be found in this Baltimore Sports and Life article.

Could a Reunion with the Braves Be in the Cards?

Given Morton's veteran experience, some have speculated about a potential reunion with the Braves. Atlanta currently needs depth in its starting rotation, and Morton’s familiarity with the club could make for a logical match. Even if his days as a weekly starter are behind him, a minor-league deal could allow Morton to prove he still has something left in the tank. Insights on how both teams could benefit from this scenario can be found in this Fansided feature.

Is There Hope for a Turnaround?

At this stage of his career, it may be difficult for Charlie Morton to rediscover the command and pitch effectiveness that made him a trusted starter. Still, baseball is full of surprises, and Morton’s tenacity is well known around the league. Whether he can adapt, contribute as a long reliever, or transition to a mentoring role for younger pitchers remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Charlie Morton's struggles in 2025 are hard to ignore, but his career has been defined by resilience. Orioles and Braves fans alike will be watching to see if this veteran pitcher can turn things around or embrace a new chapter in his storied career. No matter what happens next, Charlie Morton's impact on the game is undeniable.