Tampa Bay Rays sign Charlie Morton to two year deal

The MLB Hot Stove is heating up at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas as signings are beginning to trickle in, with the Tampa Bay Rays signing Charlie Morton.

One exciting piece of MLB Hot Stove news involved the Tampa Bay Rays signing pitcher Charlie Morton.

The one-time All-Star who pitched his heart out for the Houston Astros in 2017 will continue to pitch in an indoor stadium. While this may not be the place that most expected Morton to land, he will certainly have something to offer to the trend-setting team.

The big question is how will the Rays use Morton? He served as a starter throughout his career and even led the AL with a .833 win-loss record in 2018.

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But in Game 7 of the World Series, he pitched four outstanding relief innings, giving up only two hits and one run while striking out four Dodgers. He did this on three short, exciting days of rest. That outing was the stuff that makes legends out of pitchers because it was far outside of his comfort zone. Yet, he approached the challenge with ease.

The Rays are known for being the first team to use “The Opener” who would pitch just an inning or two before relievers came in to finish the game. Sergio Romo pitched 73 games, opening some and closing others. Morton could be used with this strategy. And, at age 35, it might be a wise strategy to extend his baseball career.

On August 29, Morton was placed on the DL with a shoulder injury. He continued to feel discomfort in his right shoulder throughout September. When he was with the Pirates in his younger years, he did have Tommy John surgery in 2012.

Jeff Passan shared details of the deal on Twitter:

In a later Tweet, Passan said that Morton will have a “Lackey” option that gives the team some recourse if he misses too much time due to injury.

Morton will join Cy Young winner Blake Snell as well as All-Star acrobatic center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. He might also have Nelson Cruz giving him run support as rumors have flown about the Rays interest in the 38-year-old slugger.

With this signing and rumors of more on the way, the Tampa Bay Rays could be tough competition in the AL East.