At least eight to 10 teams have expressed interest in right-handed starter Charlie Morton, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Morton, who will turn 37 years old Thursday, is reportedly believed to be looking for a one-year deal, possibly with an option for 2022.
Returning to the Tampa Bay Rays - who declined the two-time All-Star's $15-million option - is Morton's first choice, Feinsand adds. However, the club is likely unwilling to offer more than $10 million.
As a result, the New York Mets and New York Yankees could be viable candidates to recruit the veteran, Feinsand notes.
Morton is coming off a bit of a down year, posting a 4.74 ERA and 3.45 FIP over 38 innings while making nine starts. However, he authored a sterling 2.70 ERA and 2.59 FIP over 20 postseason frames and helped his club come within two victories of a World Series championship.
Despite his advanced age, Morton is considered one of the best starters on the open market this winter, along with Trevor Bauer, Masahiro Tanaka, Marcus Stroman, James Paxton, and Kevin Gausman.
