Charlie Morton has said on multiple occasions in the past that he’s unsure of how long he’ll continue playing — most recently telling The Athletic’s Jake Kaplan back in April that he is “not going to keep playing for a long time” while pondering the possibility of retirement following the current season. At the time, Morton listed numerous factors — his growing family, his health, the quality of his performance, a team’s proximity to his wife’s family in Delaware — as some of the numerous factors that would influence his decision.
Morton once again commented on his future this weekend when chatting with Kaplan’s colleague, Ken Rosenthal, and while he stopped short of a definitive declaration, he did imply that a 2019 return could be in the cards (subscription link). Morton plainly stated that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to be apart from his wife and children, but he also suggested he still has the desire to compete at a high level: “If I stay healthy and throw well, chances are I’ll try to continue pitching.”
The 34-year-old Morton has certainly checked all the boxes in terms of health and his own personal performance; he’s just 8 2/3 innings shy of his career-high in terms of innings pitched and has turned in an excellent 3.15 ERA with 10.8 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.99 HR/9 and a 47.1 percent ground-ball rate. Morton did have a brief stint on the disabled list in late August/early September due to some discomfort in his right shoulder, but he required only a minimal 10-day absence. He’s allowed four runs with a 10-to-2 K/BB ratio in 11 innings since returning.
I’ve speculated in the past that Morton is a sensible candidate to accept a qualifying offer, as issuing a one-year offer in the range of $18MM is a veritable no-brainer for the Astros organization. That’d give Morton the opportunity to remain where he’s comfortable and earn at a relatively premium rate while keeping open the possibility retiring to spend time with his family following the 2019 season.
However, if Morton wants to pursue a more significant contract, such interest would surely be there in the offseason — even were he to turn down that QO. Already at this point, even just two full seasons into what looks to be a legitimate late-career breakout, he’s demonstrated more than Rich Hill had when Hill was able to secure a three-year, $48MM pact. Hill’s contract spanned his age-37 through age-39 seasons; Morton is turning 35 this November, meaning a three-year deal for him would end with the same season (age-37) with which Hill’s contract began.
Last year’s free-agent freeze rightly creates questions about what even the most compelling free agents can expect to earn in the upcoming offseason, but there’s certainly a case to be made that Morton has pitched himself into consideration for a deal that would top Hill’s $48MM guarantee — or at the very least, top his annual salary on a shorter-term arrangement. Even if a three-year deal offer doesn’t materialize, Morton should have little difficulty in finding one- and two-year offers that are enticing for a player whose career earnings to date sit a bit shy of $41MM.
JJ Wattcha Going to do Brother
Only 3 teams in history have had 3 pitchers with 200+ K’s in a single season. Astros will be the 4th team with this seasons group. Verlander on the list twice. Also looks as if Indians will have 4 pitchers this year get 200 K’s.
GarryHarris
Who’s the three? I know of the 2013 Tigers: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez
JJ Wattcha Going to do Brother
1967 Twins and 69 Astros had 3 pitchers.
steelerbravenation
Everything he said told me he will be with the Phillies next year
lasershow45
Being closer to Delaware??? I mean… sure. If you want to be blind to both NYs, Baltimore, and Washington all being RIGHT THERE. Take out Mets because rotation. Yanks need pitching, Wash will probably reload and needs pitching. Doesn’t really scream “Phillies” to me unless I’m missing something else
No Soup For Yu!
He has a windup identical to Roy Halladay’s. Has to count for something right?
Cat Mando
Ever drive from DE to NYC? It’s not as “right there” as Philly. I guess he could charter a puddle jumper all of the time since DE is the only state without commercial airline service. B-More and DC are not as close a drive as Philly either which was probably steelerbravenation’s point.
jbigz12
Baltimore very well could be closer to Delaware than philadelphia depending on the town. I’m not sure which town in Delaware Morton’s family resides but Philly or Baltimore would certainly be the closest.
Cat Mando
For most of DE Philly would be closer because of the Chesapeake Bay. If the family lives in Dover it would be close to the same time same goes for some southern towns like Seaford, Smyrna or any of the small towns along the western border of DE. As you said tough Philly and B-More are the closest.
jbigz12
Ueah, certainly better odds that philly is closer and they are the more competitive baseball team. I’m thinking Morton has some money and the nicest areas of Delaware are the coastal towns. Rehoboth/Bethany/Lewes etc. Being from Maryland I’ve seen a good bit of Delaware and those areas seem to be far and away the nicest to me anyway but obviously I don’t know where he lives. From there it’d basically be splitting hairs between philly and Baltimore. Not real close to either one but the closest he’s going to get. Washington wouldn’t be extremely far if he lives in one of the beach towns but certainly not as convenient.
Z-A 2
Open up Google Maps and type in Delaware. Then directions to Philly. Add a stop in between for NYC bc that’s on the way to Philly.
siddfinch1079
Might wanna recheck that map there bud…
Free Clay Zavada
Having gone to the university of Delaware and my family being up north, I can tell you it’s not a pleasant drive between Delaware and NYC
Cat Mando
Free Clay Zavada…..I grew up near the Prices Corner area….agreed
geg42
The entire population of Delaware has now chimes in. 🙂
Cat Mando
No, there’s still 3 people left.
T_Rexx2
One of the three right here
cxcx
The commentator was clearly from some totally different part of the country to not understand the difference between Delaware to Philly and Delaware to New York. Even if it was to Newark (NJ) it would be an hour plus further, then add in the slog of getting from there to the stadium or Citi and the driving difference is absurdly enormous.
some guy 2
Yeah, driving the NJ turnpike in the summer? No way. Philly it is.
justin-turner overdrive
Jeez, just bring the whole family with him on the road, move them all to Houston for a year, if he’s that mad about being away from them.
Cat Mando
Because every father wants to uproot his wife and young children from their home and extended family.
davidcoonce74
I can’t quite understand why a baseball fan would have any real objection to a guy deciding to spend time with his family. You only get to watch your kids grow up once; Morton has made 41 million dollars in his career. That seems like enough. It’s a relief to hear stuff like this at times, when everyone accuses pro athletes of being selfish, mercenary, whatever.
Of course, this is probably just a contract negotiating tactic so never mind everything I wrote.
Cat Mando
It would be hard to leave a face like that at home for 6 months a year. His wife, Cindy, is over his left shoulder holding their infant.
sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/charlie-morton-sharing-e…
yankees500
Is New York close enough for you Charlie?
steven st croix
I think he ends up taking the QO from Houston and doing this again next year. Also, like the article says, he hasn’t exactly been a picture of health since he has been in the league.
oldoak33
Best back to back years in his career and he’s going to take a QO instead of betting on himself in FA?
tigerfan1968
Same money I would take the NL. Much tougher to pitch against teams with a DH.
GarryHarris
2013 Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez
1969 Houston Astros: Don Wilson, Larry Dierker. Tom Griffin
1967 Minnesota Twins: Dean Chance, Jim Kaat, Jim Boswell.