From bullpen demotion to Orioles ace, the 41-year-old pitcher is proving age is just a number.
Amid a challenging and injury-filled season for the Baltimore Orioles, veteran pitcher Charlie Morton has emerged as a steady and inspiring force. At 41, with over 17 years of MLB experience, Morton is delivering one of the most compelling comeback stories of the 2025 season — all with humility, grit, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Morton, who once struggled through the first decade of his big-league career, reinvented himself in the late 2010s. He was pivotal in the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series title and repeated that success with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, the very franchise that drafted and developed him.
But by the start of this season, Morton appeared to be nearing the end of the road. After signing a one-year, $15 million deal with Baltimore, he stumbled through his first five starts, posting one of the worst earned run averages of his career. The Orioles made the difficult decision to move him to the bullpen — a transition many considered the beginning of the end.
A Humbling Transition
Morton accepted the demotion with professionalism, but not without internal struggle. “When there are people counting on you — a team, a city — and you stink, that’s hard,” he told CNN Sports. The emotional weight was real. He questioned his role and even his continued presence in the sport.
But instead of giving in to doubt, Morton used the bullpen stint to regroup. Over 46.2 innings pitched in relief, he posted an impressive 2.70 ERA. Encouraged by Orioles pitching coach Drew French — a longtime friend and former colleague from his days with the Astros — Morton focused on mechanics, mindset, and purpose.
“He still has the fight to scratch and claw for the next inch,” said French. The two share a rare bond, with Morton referring to him as “Frenchie” and French describing Morton as “more barked” but grounded.
Back in the Rotation and Better Than Ever
After six outings in the bullpen, Morton returned to the starting rotation and hasn’t looked back. His velocity has crept near 97 mph, and he’s pitched deeper into games than most players his age. On July 4, he threw more than five innings against the Braves, facing off against rising star Spencer Strider — 15 years his junior. Morton outperformed the young ace and helped Baltimore clinch the win.
A day later, the Braves honored Morton with a video tribute, and the veteran tipped his cap to a crowd that remembers him fondly. “Atlanta will always be a special place,” Morton said. His impact there, according to former manager Brian Snitker, was deeper than many realized. “He’s going to be a friend for life.”
More Than Just Numbers
Off the field, Morton remains introspective and humble. He credits his late-career success not to raw talent, but to perseverance. “The pride is in the grind,” he said. “I wasn’t always good. It took me a while to get it going.”
That mindset has made him a role model in the Orioles’ young clubhouse. Teammates like Jordan Westburg describe him as a steady presence whose work ethic speaks volumes. Even players like Dean Kremer, once just a fan, now seek Morton’s wisdom firsthand.
Despite his success, Morton continues to battle an inner conflict. While still capable of elite performance, he feels the pull of family life. “I want to go home and be with my family,” he admitted, torn between the game and fatherhood.
Playing Until the Game Lets Go
For now, Morton’s passion still burns. He plans to keep pitching until baseball tells him it’s time to stop. “You don’t get to this point unless there’s something deep inside you that’s driving you,” he said.
Whether he’s leading a team to victory or mentoring the next generation, Charlie Morton is proving that the grind — not the glory — is where greatness is forged. And in this resurgent season, baseball is better for having him still on the mound.