Rays letting Charlie Morton and Mike Zunino become free agents

Charlie Morton and Mike Zunino might not be back in Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Rays were fighting for their playoff life in Game 6 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Kevin Cash taking Blake Snell out of the game ended Tampa’s championship hopes early. While some roster enhancements were expected from a team that loves to tinker, the Rays got their offseason started by releasing two starters from their championship team.

Erik Neander confirmed that the Rays will not pick up the options in veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton and catcher Mike Zunino, making them free agents.

Charlie Morton and Mike Zunino struggled in the World Series

Zunino has long been one of the game’s best defensive catchers, but his all-or-nothing style at the plate appears to be driving Cash crazy. Zunino hit just .147 in the regular season, and he only had one hit during the entire World Series.

The more surprising waive of the two is Morton. While he only mustered a 4.74 ERA in the regular season, he had three consecutive seasons with a 3.62 ERA or lower. Morton’s Game 7 masterpiece in the ALCS, which was ended prematurely once again Cash’s quick hook, proved that when the chips are down, he can still get it down.

Neander did say that both Morton and Zunino bring a lot to a team due to their intangibles, In the same breath, Neander mentioned that he is willing to look at bringing Morton back if he wants to be back in Tampa for his age-37 season.

It’ll be hard to find any analytical value in releasing a starting catcher and No. 2 starter right after an AL Pennant. Tampa’s penny pinching could cost them in their quest to once again climb to the top of the American League mountain.