Outside The Confines: Let the free agent movement begin!

In what has felt like a very slow-moving offseason as far as the free agent market, a big pitcher has just signed a deal with a contention team, and perhaps this signals a start of some more exciting things to come.

The Atlanta Braves have signed a one-year, $15 million deal with 37-year-old pitcher Charlie Morton who most recently pitched his way to the World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays. Interestingly, the Rays had an option for Morton that was worth — wait for it — one year, $15 million.

Of course it should surprise no one that the Rays have taken a budget-conscious approach, but it is still something of a blow to the fanbase, who quickly became attached to Morton and his positive clubhouse presence during his two years with the team.

We look forward to seeing if this begins some enthusiastic offseason signings over the rest of the week.

• If you’re hungry for some MLB recipes to try out this Thanksgiving, Alex Coffey brings us a collector with over 70 MLB cookbooks. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Jay Jaffe continues to explore the Hall of Fame cases for this year’s new nominees, this time with Andy Pettitte and Todd Helton.
• Rays breakout sensation Randy Arozarena has reportedly been arrested in an incident with a former girlfriend that involved his young daughter. Matt Snyder reports.
• There will likely be a lot of one-year deals this year and Eno Sarris spotlights four pitchers who might sign short deals. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• David Shoenfield looks at the best fits for free agent George Springer.
• Thomas Harrigan is pretty sure than once DJ LeMehieu signs it will herald in the beginning of a wave of other free agent signings.
• Can the Mets turn things around and become contenders within a year? Nick Selbe explores their opportunities.
• Enjoy the complete panel discussion of The Culture and Journey of the Black Baseball Player.

• Patrick Dubuque continues to share a series about winning teams whose baseball cards were did not retain their value. (Baseball Prospectus Premium required.)
• FanGraphs is crowdsourcing opinions on MLB broadcasters, so here’s your chance to share your opinion on the Central division broadcasters.
• Mike Axisa looks at the three main needs for the Yankees this offseason.
• Now that the Braves have signed Charlie Morton, it looks like they’re planning to make a return trip to the postseason, writes David Schoenfield.
• Joon Lee goes behind the scenes with Adam Ottavino about the experience of playing during COVID-19.
• The lack of Latino coaches in the minor leagues is hurting baseball, writes Garrett Broshuis. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Former MLBer Micah Johnson has found his new calling in painting that empowers Black youth, writes Michael Clair.
• Dennis Lin shares how important Kim Ng’s signing has been for Asian Americans in baseball. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• First, a link to Matt Monagan’s story about the NC Dinos victory, but please watch the video below as well.
• The NC Dinos won the KBO Championship this week and got the best and most incredible prize. (For context, their primary sponsor NCSoft designs video games and the sword is from one of those games)

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.