If Charlie Morton has a say in the matter, he will be back with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2021 season.
When Charlie Morton entered free agency following the 2018 season, he had limited his market. He was either going to return to the Astros, or he was going to pitch for one of the Florida teams since his family resides in that state. As such, it was not much of a surprise when Morton signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.
He had signed a two year deal worth $30 million, with an option for another $15 million for 2021. For his part, Morton says that he wants to return, and that he would feel honored if the Rays picked up the option.
Charlie Morton, who turns 37 next month, said he'd "be completely honored and privileged to continue to play for the #Rays" if they pick up his contract option for 2021. If they don't, he said he will discuss with his family whether to play in '21 or retire. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 11, 2020
Morton does have a family reason for wanting to play in 2021. He wants his four children to be able to be at the ballpark with him during his final season, something that was unable to happen in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic.
He has been a solid pitcher during his time with the Rays. Over the course of his two seasons, he has posted a 3.33 ERA and a 1.135 WHiP in 232.2 innings, striking out 282 batters with 67 walks. Morton has also done an impressive job in keeping the ball in the park, allowing just 19 homers in that time.
But Morton also struggled in the shortened 2020 season. He posted a 4.74 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP in his 38 innings this season, although his 42 strikeouts and ten walks were respectable enough marks. As Morton will be 37 years old next season, those struggles make his option a risky proposition.
The Rays are also not a team that will spend on sentimentality. As it stands, teams such as the Yankees and Phillies have considered cutting payroll this offseason due to the uncertainty around the pandemic. If those teams are potentially cutting their spending, the Rays likely will not be in a position to pick up that option.
Charlie Morton wants to return to the Tampa Bay Rays. The big question is whether or not they can afford to bring him back.