Headlines

  • Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez
  • Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Bobby Jenks Passes Away
  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Morton Plans To Continue Playing, Would “Love” To Return To Astros

By Steve Adams | October 19, 2018 at 8:41am CDT

If there was any doubt as to whether Charlie Morton would continue his playing career following comments in which he openly pondered retirement, the right-hander indicated last night that he hopes to return for a 12th big league season at the very least (Twitter link via Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle). “I’d love to keep playing,” Morton said after last night’s game. “I’d love to be an Astro. I’d love to be a part of this again. Ultimately, it’s not really up to me. It’s not solely up to me.”

Morton’s most recent indications were that, so long as he didn’t suffer any notable injury in the season’s final month, “chances are” he’d continue his career. His intentions seem all the clearer now. Set to turn 35 next month, Morton has previously indicated that he’ll be selective about the team with which he signs and has emphasized that if he were to continue pitching, the Astros are his ideal fit. Thursday night’s comments seem to double down on that line of thinking. If a return doesn’t come together for whatever reason, Morton indicated earlier this year that proximity to his wife’s family in Delaware could be an important geographic factor should he look at offers from other teams.

It seems all but certain that the Astros will issue a $17.9MM qualifying offer to Morton, so speculatively speaking, perhaps that’ll be a simple avenue for him to return to Houston in 2019. However, there’s little doubt that if he wanted to seek maximum value in free agency, Morton could trounce that figure on the heels of a pair of eye-opening campaigns with the ’Stros. Morton has made 55 starts for Houston across the past two seasons, pitching to a pristine 3.36 ERA with 10.4 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 0.92 HR/9 and a 49.6 percent ground-ball rate. At this point, he’s probably among baseball’s 25 to 30 best starting pitchers — an ascension that seems rapid and out of the blue but is no more sudden than the surge that netted a 37-year-old Rich Hill a three-year deal in free agency two offseasons ago.

It’s not clear exactly how long Morton wishes to continue his career, and the right-hander himself may not even truly know the answer to that question at this time. But it’d be a surprise if he didn’t receive a qualifying offer, and if chooses to explore the open market rather than agree to a quick return to Houston, it’s at least plausible that he could more than double the $40.7MM he’s made in his career on his next contract. One way or the other, he’s about to cash in on a massive raise from the modest two-year, $14MM deal that initially brought him to Houston.

Share 0 Retweet 12 Send via email0

Houston Astros Charlie Morton

NL West Notes: Rockies, Myers, Hundley
Main
AL Central Notes: Twins, Greiner, McCann, Indians, White Sox
View Comments (78)
Post a Comment

78 Comments

  1. bheath33

    7 years ago

    A QA is all but certain? Who is going to give him more then 1/15m?

    Better take that QA before the ink dries

    1
    Reply
    • lasershow45

      7 years ago

      QO

      5
      Reply
      • Thronson5

        7 years ago

        Lasershow..always that one guy. Might as well be you and get it out of the way right? Lol

        Reply
        • jleve618

          7 years ago

          I thought he meant a quality agreement, haha. All joking aside, I hate when people don’t understand typos.

          Reply
    • oldoak33

      7 years ago

      Better check his 17/18 numbers and compare them to other recent free agent starters.

      5
      Reply
    • #Fantasygeekland

      7 years ago

      I really think any contender should be willing to give him $18M for a season.

      3
      Reply
  2. simschifan

    7 years ago

    Was he really that good or was it the Astros that made him good? (Wink wink)

    4
    Reply
  3. bucketbrew35

    7 years ago

    I’m really happy for Morton. The injury that he suffered with the Phillies a few years back (torn hamstring) was pretty brutal. I always enjoy when a player finds a late career renaissance.

    3
    Reply
  4. to4

    7 years ago

    Now that they have Osuna, Astros need to concentrate on adding a much more needed Power Bat and a 2nd Lefty.They certainly have the money and prospects to do so. Trade for Goldschmidt and go hard after Harper and Britton while bringing back Marwin and Morton at a fair price tag.

    Reply
    • jdgoat

      7 years ago

      I feel like they’re almost guaranteed to trade for Realmuto now

      3
      Reply
      • angelsfan4life

        7 years ago

        I can see them going after Harper. But to trade for Goldschmidt, would require them to give up top pitching prospects. With Verlander, Cole and Goldschmidt all being free agents after next season, that wouldn’t be smart long term. Verlander I could see staying after next season. But Cole will more than likely test the market. Which means, getting into a bidding war to keep him.

        Reply
        • JJB

          7 years ago

          Now that he has a ring, and after building a new home in Beverly Hills, Justin Verlander-Upton is just biding his time until he signs with the Dodgers.

          4
          Reply
        • pustule bosey

          7 years ago

          Yeah something that wouldn’t cost much is raiding the giants, it would be a lot more affordable to go after belt and Smith or Watson

          1
          Reply
        • jb19

          7 years ago

          They aren’t going after Harper in FA. They should make a run at Goldy that includes a trade package that includes Yordan Alvarez as the headliner. They aren’t getting Tucker or Whitley for one year of Goldschmidt. That’s out of the question… I would think a trade package that includes a of ML ready pitcher (Armentaros or Valdez), a 1b prospect (and top 100 prospect) in Alvarez, a minor league SP w upside (Corbin Martin, Solomon, etc.) and another ML ready bat (JD Davis, Straw, etc.)

          2
          Reply
        • thelastonetodie

          7 years ago

          I see them taking Martin from TO with Toronto eating 75% of the salary and a B grade prospect in return. They need a solid defensive catcher with experience and Toronto has maile, Jansen and McGuire and Martin didn’t
          Even play a game after September 5th. If not the stros, he goes somewhere.. I see the best fit with the Astros though

          1
          Reply
        • MetsYankeesRedSox

          7 years ago

          I never realized what an airhead Kate Upton is until the ALCS

          4
          Reply
        • rocky7

          7 years ago

          Interesting but what you find “out of the question” as far as players won’t work unless you somehow represent the Astros in any negotiations for players forward.
          Not getting into the Series, let alone winning it with a rather short window as far as pitching might cause them to do anything….and we’re pretty sure they’re not calling you to “okay” the trade package.

          1
          Reply
        • Slevin

          7 years ago

          How do you know..oh wait you don’t

          Reply
        • damon389

          7 years ago

          LOL man… You take “delusional Giants fan” to a whole other level!

          Reply
      • Tom E. Snyder

        7 years ago

        Nope.

        Reply
      • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

        7 years ago

        If the prospects the Marlins got for Stanton, Ozuna and Yelich pan out quickly, the Fish will want to keep Realmuto. But if the Astros have good bats in the other eight spots in the order, playing defense first catchers can work. Besides, I’m not so sure Realmuto is any better than average behind the plate. There are other needs that are more important.

        Reply
    • antsmith7

      7 years ago

      Realmuto and Cruz

      4
      Reply
      • Petro04

        7 years ago

        That would be my dream for them. Resign Morton and Gonzalez. You’d be set

        Reply
    • madmanTX

      7 years ago

      Osuna wasn’t all that this week and they shouldn’t have traded for his woman-beating butt in the first place.

      4
      Reply
      • bstnrdsx49

        7 years ago

        He played pretty well overall. They have control of him for a few more years. He will be one of the best moves we made. Giles has to go!

        2
        Reply
  5. xabial

    7 years ago

    What everyone said on here, and I’ve been saying forever; Biggest QO candidate — to receive — and accept QO.

    6
    Reply
  6. to4

    7 years ago

    1.Springer CF
    2.Correa SS
    3.Altuve 2B
    4.Bregman 3B
    5.Harper RF
    6.Goldschmidt 1B
    7.Gurriel DH
    8.Maldonado C
    9.Reddick LF

    bench: Stassi C, Gonzalez UT, Kemp OF, Marisnick OF.
    ================
    1.Verlander
    2.Cole
    3.McCullers Jr.
    4.Morton
    5.McHugh
    6.Peacock
    7.James
    ================
    Peacock LR
    Smith MR
    Sipp MR
    Devenski SU
    Britton SU
    Pressly SU
    Osuna (CL)

    plenty of depth and power bats/arms.

    Reply
    • Brixton

      7 years ago

      uh thats probably not how that’d lineup would go lol.

      7
      Reply
      • xabial

        7 years ago

        @to4,

        Can we address if Morton accepts QO, you lose 3 starters to FA after 2019. (Unless you re-sign/ext.)

        Count Keuchel and u could lose 4 SP to FA after ‘19

        How much SP depth do u have, to replace 4 guys?

        Reply
        • to4

          7 years ago

          Josh James
          Forrest Whitley
          Cionel Perez
          Corbin Martin
          Framber Valdez
          Rogelio Armentero

          plus any other major league that they’ll sign/or extend, like Cole for example.

          Reply
      • to4

        7 years ago

        1.Altuve 2B
        2.Bregman 3B
        3.Goldschmidt 1B
        4.Springer CF
        5.Harper RF
        6

        Reply
      • to4

        7 years ago

        1.Altuve 2B
        2.Bregman 3B
        3.Goldschmidt 1B
        4.Springer CF
        5.Harper RF
        6.Correa SS
        7.Gurriel DH
        8.Maldonado C
        9.Reddick KF

        I would probably set it up like this with the 3 top base stealers 1st, follow by the rest of the powerhouse.

        Reply
    • notorious623

      7 years ago

      Harper and Goldy?? Wtf haha

      4
      Reply
      • to4

        7 years ago

        why not ? Goldy only got one yr of control left before FA. you offer the D-Backs a package of Tyler White and Kyle Tucker and I’m sure that’ll be more than enough to get Goldy lose.

        Reply
    • #Fantasygeekland

      7 years ago

      Dude… they’re not getting Harper and goldschmidt

      4
      Reply
      • simschifan

        7 years ago

        Especially while keeping everybody from the mlb roster

        Reply
      • Astros2333

        7 years ago

        Yeah! Why trade for Paul and give up prospects for him, when I can resign Gattis for a few million.

        Reply
      • to4

        7 years ago

        sure, maybe not, but they could if they want to.

        Reply
    • conquerbeard

      7 years ago

      Anybody else you wanna add in there? Machado, maybe? Aaron Judge coming off the bench? How about Kershaw for middle relief?

      8
      Reply
    • Christian Larsen

      7 years ago

      you’re in dream land

      Reply
    • Tom E. Snyder

      7 years ago

      pretty good lineup for fantasy baseball

      Reply
    • rocky7

      7 years ago

      Wow, Harper, Britton AND Goldy!!!!!!!
      YOU ARE A BIG SPENDER! What bank are you writing the check from?

      Reply
    • simschifan

      7 years ago

      That’s 27 guys

      Reply
      • to4

        7 years ago

        25 with 2 SP as depth.

        Reply
    • thelastonetodie

      7 years ago

      If I’ve ever seen a pipe dream line up… they don’t and won’t spend dodgers money.

      Reply
  7. aussiegiants53

    7 years ago

    Love the Giants to pick him up but probably won’t be on their radar, assume he stays with the Astros. I feel they would go after JTR tho…

    Reply
    • iplay_in_traffic

      7 years ago

      they probably won’t be on his radar either tbh

      2
      Reply
    • Vedder80

      7 years ago

      I am sure he is on their radar. They love to sign guys that are aging and high risk, little reward in an unending refusal to accept that the team is not very good and needs more than just a couple of veteran bandaids.

      Reply
  8. petfoodfella

    7 years ago

    I wouldn’t mind Atlanta looking to bring him back on a 1-2 year deal if the QO isn’t given.

    Reply
    • Zach725

      7 years ago

      He would be perfect for Atlanta, but I don’t see him leaving Houston.

      2
      Reply
      • camdenyards46

        7 years ago

        Yeah I feel like there’s no way he leaves

        1
        Reply
  9. Brixton

    7 years ago

    Charlie: Baseball is a lot more fun when i dont have an ERA of 5 on the Pirates lol

    1
    Reply
    • oldoak33

      7 years ago

      With Pirates…..
      4.39 ERA
      4.03 FIP
      3.99 xFIP

      You’d think from how he was portrayed with the Pirates that he was the worst pitcher in the league.
      He had a 3.96 ERA, 3.85 FIP, and 3.89 xFIP with them from 2011-2015 in 624 IP.

      6
      Reply
      • TJECK109

        7 years ago

        He was the most inconsistent pitcher in baseball when with the Pirates.

        4
        Reply
      • jimmyz

        7 years ago

        He was infuriatingly inconsistent with the Pirates. Some nights he would show glimpses of what he’s been doing the past two years except the big strikeout numbers and give you something to dream on for the forseeable future and other days he’d give up 6 runs in three innings with twice as many walks to strikeouts. Mostly though he was on and off the DL all the time and couldn’t get on any sort of roll.

        3
        Reply
  10. deweybelongsinthehall

    7 years ago

    Steve,
    off topic but an article on those who’s price have increased or decreased since the trade deadline would be interesting. Specifically I’m wondering what Eovaldi is now worth? If his WS play continues like it’s been, a bidding war including the Yankees and Red Sox is likely to ensue.

    2
    Reply
    • conquerbeard

      7 years ago

      Of course the Yankees would want him back. If the Red Sox want to keep him, I imagine they’d have the inside track.

      1
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        7 years ago

        The question is how much $$ has he earned? He’s in his prime , pitching phenomenally and depending on your team doctor’s view on reinjuring the throwing arm, his contract could suddenly be huge.

        2
        Reply
        • rocky7

          7 years ago

          “pitching phenomenally”…..really…..are we speaking about Eovaldi?
          Prior to this year, he was out 2 and the previous 4 had ERA’s well above 4.0.
          I guess you’re basing everyone on his 2018 audition for a new deal, and you seem ready to deliver a HUGH MULTI YEAR deal.
          His habit of getting injured will factor, as well as in his career, he only threw 200 innings (actually 199) 1 time.
          Horses get paid, dogs get checked for fleas! He certainly isn’t a horse!

          1
          Reply
        • TribeTown

          7 years ago

          I agree he is not a horse

          Reply
      • rocky7

        7 years ago

        Don;t think the Yankees would want him back….once was enough.
        And, while he pitched well against the Yankees, he was sub .500 for the year and his metrics didn’t scream “got to have him”.

        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          7 years ago

          Rocky7, we don’t usually agree so why should this be any different? Health is definitely a question but many believe the chances of needing a second procedure is small once you’ve proven yourself again. If adjustments from the surgery or simply now learning how to pitch explains his sudden success, why wouldn’t the Yankees be again interested considering their need? I’m not suggesting a break the bank contract in years and average dollars but considering where he was as of say June (if not the trading deadline), he certainly is in line for an amazing deal.

          Reply
      • Astros2333

        7 years ago

        I think Nathan has another year of control.

        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          7 years ago

          Nope. He signed a two year deal with Tampa prior to last year.

          Reply
  11. bastros88

    7 years ago

    I would rather extend Bregman or Springer than sign a Bryce Harper or Machado

    2
    Reply
    • Brixton

      7 years ago

      i’d think they rather piece their rotation back together than spend more money on bats

      Reply
      • jb19

        7 years ago

        Verlander, Cole, Morton, Whitley and Valdez looks like McCullers may need TJ according to some rumors floating around Houston this morning. Not sure the validity of those rumors though… Astros rotation still in pretty good shape even if we assume Kuechel leaves in FA and McCullers needing TJ. I doubt Morton leaves the Astros. This seems like a logical QO candidate and QO acceptance. Astros may want a BOR veteran guy. Still have JB Bukauskas and Corbin Martin close to being ML ready. Debuts in 2020 seem most probable.

        1
        Reply
        • Incoherent

          7 years ago

          I wouldn’t mind seeing McHugh back in the rotation as a #4 or #5

          Reply
      • PeterDipersio

        7 years ago

        Their bats are fine! Leave them be! Need to retool their rotation a bit

        Reply
    • thickiedon

      7 years ago

      Nah, now’s the time to trade Springer. Under cheap contract next year and controllable for 2020. Should be plenty of teams willing to trade for him.

      Reply
      • Incoherent

        7 years ago

        That city would get burnt to the ground

        1
        Reply
        • thickiedon

          7 years ago

          Lol… he does great 1/3 of the season, is injured 1/6 and sucks for half. He’ll eventually head northeast anyways where him and his wife’s family are from

          Reply
        • PeterDipersio

          7 years ago

          Agreed

          Reply
  12. jgoody62

    7 years ago

    I feel Morton would he to humble to accept a QO. I’d say he rejects, then signs back with Houston for significantly less AAV. He certainly deserves the QO, but even during the all star game he made it seem like he felt bad for taking someone else’s spot even though he deserved it!

    Reply
  13. terrymesmer

    7 years ago

    > It seems all but certain that the Astros will issue a $17.9MM qualifying offer to Morton

    A laughable assertion.

    Reply
  14. Petro04

    7 years ago

    What type of deal do you guys think it would take for Realmuto? Do you think Whitley or tucker has to be involved? Or do you think it could be Alvarez, Martin, Bukauskus and a filler like davis?

    Reply
  15. tomselleck

    7 years ago

    And the Astros would have “Loved” to return to the World Series……

    Reply
  16. PeterDipersio

    7 years ago

    Red Sox fan here! We will take Morton if you Astro’s fans will Take Price and his contract off our hands!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Recent

    Cubs, Tigers Among Teams Interested In Ke’Bryan Hayes

    AL Central Notes: Thomas, Ragans, Lynch, Cobb

    Padres To Activate Yu Darvish On Monday

    Rhys Hoskins Suffers Grade 2 Thumb Sprain, Headed To IL

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Rays Sign Peter Strzelecki To Minor League Contract

    MLB Announces 2025 All-Star Rosters

    Pirates Re-Sign Yohan Ramírez, Release Peter Strzelecki

    Diamondbacks Place Pavin Smith On IL, Select Tristin English

    Details On Bryan Reynolds’ Limited No-Trade Protection

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version