1. Charlie Morton
A year after being a major part of Atlanta’s World Series run, Morton took a step back finishing the year with a 4.34 ERA and didn’t bring the same level of consistency as the veteran brought in his first season with Atlanta.
At 39, it is difficult to know what level Morton is still capable of reaching. Part of this regression could well be attached to the previous season as well.
Morton breaking his leg and continuing to get outs was a performance that makes the pitcher a legendary part of Braves history. Despite being pulled 16 pitches later, Morton was a huge reason Atlanta was able to make the World Series and found the resilience to continue to win after the injury.
Now more than a year removed from the injury, will Morton return to the level of production he gave Atlanta in his first season? Serious injuries take time to bounce back from both physically and mentally. Perhaps with a full and healthy offseason, Morton will return to the pitcher he was in the 2021 season.
With Kyle Wright dealing with an injury to start the year and only question marks past Max Fried and Spencer Strider, it would be a much-needed boost to the Atlanta rotation.