It appears the Astros have another hole in the rotation to fill, as reports are trickling out that the Tampa Bay Rays are closing in on a deal with the free agent starter. Morton, 35 years old, will sign a two year deal with the Rays for 30 million dollars according to reports. The deal also includes an option for a third year according to another report.
Morton joined the Astros prior to the 2017 season, signing a two year deal worth 14 million dollars, a deal that was mocked by many in the baseball world. Morton proved the risk the Astros took on him to be a good one, making 55 starts in his two seasons in Houston and making his first All-Star team in 2018.
The biggest moments never seemed to phase Morton, his biggest coming in 2017 as he closed out the final four innings of game seven of the World Series.
The stat lines for Morton's two years were nothing short of impressive. In his 55 regular season starts in 2017 and 2018, Charlie went 29-10 with a 3.36 era in those starts, striking out 364 batters in his 313.2 innings pitched. He set many career highs for a season during his time in Houston, including starts (30 in 2018), wins (15 in 2018) and strikeouts (201 in 2018).
Morton appeared in seven postseason games for the Astros over the last two seasons, starting six of them. In his 25.2 innings pitched for the Astros in the 2017 and 2018 postseasons, Morton, picked up two wins (both in the 2017 postseason) while taking just one loss, striking out a total of 27 batters in those 25.2 innings pitched.
Forever a legend in Houston, thank you for all the memories, CFM.