4 former Pirates who could end up back in Pittsburgh via free agency

Charlie Morton

Charlie Morton is another pitcher who could slot into the back of the Pirates’ rotation. Morton pitched with the Bucs from 2009-2015. Since the Pirates traded him after the ‘15 season, he has had some very successful campaigns with the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves. Although he is older, he still had some decent numbers in his age-40 campaign.

Morton pitched 165 1/3 innings, working a 4.19 ERA, 4.46 FIP, and 1.32 WHIP. The veteran right-hander struck out 23.8% of opponents, which, while still above average, was his lowest single-season K rate since leaving the Pirates. He also had a 9.3% walk rate and 1.25 HR/9, both of which were slightly below league average in 2024.

Morton, who earned the nickname Ground Chuck with the Pirates, still induced ground balls at an excellent 47.2% rate, which was in the 75th percentile of hurlers in ‘24. Morton was about league average in inducing soft contact with an 88.7 MPH exit velocity, but his 9.3% barrel rate was below average. Morton’s 4.06 SIERA and 3.99 xFIP paint a similar picture to his bottom line.

One major positive Morton brings to the table is durability. He has started at least 30 games every year since 2018 (not including 2020). If the Braves are done with him, then there's an obvious opportunity for the Pirates to capitalize.. Morton is still considering pitching in 2025, and based on previous interests, wants to stay on the east coast. That potentially leaves the door open for a return to the Bucs.