Brandon Morrow

Brandon Morrow

40-Year-Old PitcherP
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Brandon Morrow in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year, minor-league contract with the Dodgers in December of 2020.
Throws at training facility
PLos Angeles Dodgers  
Elbow
May 9, 2021
Morrow (elbow) spent some time throwing at the Dodgers' spring training facility Friday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Recent reports have indicated that Morrow had been shut down from throwing and isn't expected to pitch this season, so Friday's workout -- which Morrow himself reported on his personal Instagram page -- is a somewhat surprising development. The length and intensity of the right-hander's session are unclear, and it remains doubtful that he'll be able to contribute to the Dodgers' bullpen this season.
Read More News
Pitching Stats
Loading Pitching Stats...
2019
2018
2017
2019 MLB Game Log
calculator icon
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Scoring
FanDuel
DraftKings
Yahoo DFS
Sorare
Loading Pitching Game Log...
2018 MLB Game Log
calculator icon
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Scoring
FanDuel
DraftKings
Yahoo DFS
Sorare
Loading Pitching Game Log...
2017 MLB Game Log
calculator icon
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Scoring
FanDuel
DraftKings
Yahoo DFS
Sorare
Loading Pitching Game Log...
Minor League Game Log
calculator icon
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Loading Minor League Pitching Game Log...
Advanced Pitching Stats
Loading Advanced Pitching Stats...
Defensive Stats
Loading MLB Defensive Stats...
Stats Vs Today's Lineup
Want more matchup stats?
Loading Matchup Stats...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Brandon Morrow See More
The Z Files: Saving the Best for Last
January 20, 2022
Todd Zola examines recent draft trends when it comes to closers and weighs the pros and cons of spending an early pick on the likes of Emmanuel Clase.
The Z Files: Winning Tendencies, Part Four
May 16, 2020
Todd Zola continues his breakdown of last year's NFBC Main Event rosters and explains why he thinks Christian Yelich showed up on so few league-winning squads.
Mound Musings: Bullpens With Unanswered Questions
March 27, 2020
Brad Johnson examines bullpens that are in flux, like in Los Angeles where Ty Buttrey sits behind Keynan Middleton in the pecking order but offers good stuff according to Johnson.
Mound Musings: A Look at Pitching in the NL Central
February 27, 2020
This week, Brad Johnson tackles the National League Central, where in St. Louis Jack Flaherty is the must-have arm.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
After injuries derailed the second half of his 2018 season, it was hoped that Morrow would return to the club early in 2019, but several setbacks forced him to miss the entire season. The Cubs declined his option in the offseason and brought him back on a minor-league deal. Prior to going down in 2018, Morrow performed well as the Cubs' closer, converting 22 of 24 saves with a career-best 1.47 ERA even though his swinging-strike rate dropped to 12.9% after hitting 15.9% in 2017. His average fastball velocity was 97.5 mph in 2018, which helped him record a 25.4 K%, but it's unclear what his velo might look like after his arm injuries required two surgeries, most recently on his elbow in August. While the 35-year-old looked like he could still be an effective reliever the last time we saw him, the durability question marks are too great at this point and leave him off the fantasy radar heading into 2020.
On the strength of his brilliant run with the Dodgers, Morrow landed a two-year contract with the Cubs last offseason. The team anointed him the closer before camp even began and Morrow rewarded the organization's faith with excellent ratios and 22 successful save conversions in 24 chances over the first half of the year. Unfortunately, injuries, as they often have throughout his career, derailed what was shaping up to be a great season. Morrow said initially that he didn't expect a long-term absence due to the biceps inflammation, but the issue only worsened during his attempts to ramp back up. The skills weren't as good as the surface numbers would suggest during his time on the field (25.4 K%, 7.4 BB%, 93 LOB%). Morrow underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in November and is not expected to be ready to begin the regular season.
Following up on his successful but modest transition to the bullpen for 18 games in 2016, Morrow exploded as a fantasy relief weapon (even as a non-closer) in his 2017 debut with the Dodgers. The former high-strikeout but injury-prone starter revived his dormant dominance, fanning 50 in 43.2 innings. His fastball velocity was boosted by 2.7 mph, and his budding cutter reached the next level. Oh, and he ditched his lethargic sinker. He thrived in peppering the strike zone, posting a 15.9 percent swinging-strike rate and 69.4 percent first-pitch strike rate -- both career bests. Morrow landed a two-year deal with the Cubs in free agency and is considered the favorite to close as of mid-December. Even if Chicago adds another back-end arm, these are skills worth buying to round out a fantasy pitching staff.
Shoulder trouble plagued Morrow throughout the first half of the 2016 campaign, which he spent trying to stretch out as a starter at Triple-A El Paso. Upon being called up by San Diego in August, Morrow shifted to the bullpen, where he returned a tidy 1.69 ERA over 16 appearances. Interestingly enough, he struggled to miss bats, carrying an 11.8 percent K% (4.5 K/9) despite a 10.3 percent swinging-strike rate, and his low ERA was supported by an extremely high LOB% (93.8 percent). In terms of stuff, Morrow still has an intriguing arsenal, boasting a fastball, cutter, slider and changeup while showing velocity in line with his previous career levels. While the FIP (4.33) doesn't support the impressive results, the surprisingly low strikeout rate appears to be a fluke. Morrow's days as a starter may be over, but at age 32, he could still have enough left in the tank to emerge as a quality bullpen piece if the permanent role change allows him to shake the injury bug.
When Morrow hit the DL with right shoulder inflammation in early May, he said he should be ready to return after the minimum 15 days. He did not end up returning for San Diego, as recurring discomfort continually set him back in his recovery. By late July, it was looking like he would end up pitching again for the big club -- Morrow had worked his way back up to Triple-A El Paso -- but he was ultimately pulled off his rehab assignment and forced to undergo an arthroscopic procedure in August. His recovery timetable was established at three-to-four months, which would theoretically put him on track for the start of spring training, but Morrow was forced to settle for a minor league deal with San Diego in the offseason. If indeed healthy, Morrow should compete for a rotation spot in spring training, but the durability concerns will likely take him off the radar in most standard mixed leagues.
Morrow was a favorite of fantasy gamers who use advanced numbers to scout talent. Back in 2010-11, Morrow had a 4.62 ERA in 326 innings, but his 3.42 FIP and incredible 27 percent strikeout rate hinted at substantial upside. The payoff came in the form of a 2.96 ERA in 2012, but what happened to the supporting skills? The strikeout rate tumbled to 21 percent, and Morrow’s biggest issue, the injury bug, remained ever-present. A strained oblique limited him to just 125 innings during the breakout season, and a rash of injury-riddled seasons have continued through 2014. The skills fade from 2012 has continued and has been accompanied by a complete implosion of his value thanks to a 5.65 ERA in just 88 innings the last two seasons. The question is whether the skills are actually gone or if it is just the constant stream of injuries. It’s not crazy to blame it on the injuries, but will they ever go away? Make Morrow show you something before investing. He'll compete for the final spot in the Padres' rotation this spring with the likes of Odrisamer Despaigne, Robbie Erlin, and Matt Wisler.
After finally breaking out in 2012, Morrow posted an ugly 5.63 ERA over 54.1 innings during his injury-shortened 2013 campaign. Injuries have marred the talented right-hander's career to this point, and his strikeouts have fallen off in a big way. Morrow posted a 10.2 K/9 in 2010, with that number dropping to 7.8 during his excellent 2012 season, then all the way down to 7.0 in 2013. While the injury and strikeout concerns remove a bit of the luster, Morrow still has the talent to be a frontline starter. He's expected to be healthy for the start of spring training, though it's anyone's guess how long he will remain that way.
Morrow finally had the breakout season that had been expected of him for years, finishing 10-7 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. A strained oblique mid-season does raise concerns about his ability to stay healthy, as he pitched only 124.2 innings in 2012. Morrow's K/9 dropped to 7.8 and his BABIP was .252, however, a better walk rate and more steady supply of groundballs might help this breakout continue into 2013.
It wasn't quite the season where Morrow finally put all the pieces together, but it was another step in the right direction. He improved his command just enough (3.5 BB/9IP) to keep his ERA (4.72) palatable despite pitching in a tough AL East en route to a career-high 203 strikeouts. His homer-prone tendencies didn't play well at home (1.500 WHIP, 6.31 ERA at home; 1.068 WHIP, 3.07 ERA on the road) and a career high in innings pitched may have taken their toll down the stretch as 13 of his 21 homers allowed came in his last 11 starts. Life in the AL East is never going to be easy but if he can improve his command another tick he could take another step forward. He'll be back as the Jays' No. 2 starter behind Ricky Romero.
Morrow finally got an extended look as a starter last season following a trade to the Jays and began to put things together (10.9 K/9IP). He was held to just eight starts in the second half as the Jays wanted to limit his workload but did show slightly improved command as the season wore on. Over his final 17 starts, Morrow went 7-3 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.224 WHIP with a 119:38 K:BB ratio in 101.1 innings. If he can improve his control a tick -- or even just maintain his improvement from the second half of 2010 -- he could take another step forward. For now, though, he'll provide excellent strikeout numbers as the Jays' No. 2 starter behind Ricky Romero.
Morrow just couldn't get off the starter-reliever merry-go-round, and another year of indecision again stunted his career. A starter in spring, Morrow was in the bullpen by Opening Day, only to lose the closer job in early May. He then spent most of the summer in the minors reinventing himself yet again. Upon returning to the Seattle rotation for four September starts, Morrow showed some of the promise that made him a first-round pick, including an eight-inning one-hitter in his final start with a career-high nine strikeouts. Morrow is still a work in progress as a starter – command is his biggest issue, and he needs to mix his pitches more effectively -- but a high-90s fastball and a quality slider still provide upside. It looks like he may finally get a chance to develop as a starter in the majors after being traded to Toronto.
It happened nearly two years later than it should have, but the Mariners finally committed to Morrow as a starting pitcher in 2008. After notching a 1.47 ERA in the bullpen and converting 10 of 12 save opportunities in place of an injured J.J. Putz, Morrow was sent to Triple-A Tacoma in August to transition to a starter. When he returned in September, he made five starts, impressing in three of those and getting rocked in two. His five homers allowed and 12 of his 18 earned runs came in those two botched starts. Morrow needs to locate more consistently and limit the walks, but he has excellent upside with a high-90's fastball and effective slider. He posted a 10.4 K/9IP overall, 9.0 as a starter. With Felix Hernandez and Erik Bedard, Morrow gives the Mariners an outstanding trio atop the rotation. There is a chance that Morrow goes back to closing with J.J. Putz traded, but new general manager Jack Zduriencik suggested that's not necessarily going to happen.
With just 16 professional innings to his name - and only three above rookie ball - Morrow was a surprise choice to make the bullpen out of spring training last year. He was inconsistent throughout the season and relied almost exclusively on his mid-90's fastball at the expense of developing secondary pitches, throwing the heater on 80.1 percent of pitches. That's fine for a reliever who faces 3-5 batters a game, but if the 2006 first-round pick is to ever start as originally intended, he needs to learn how to actually pitch. To that end, the Mariners sent Morrow to the Venezuelan Winter League to prepare for a rotation spot this year. He performed well enough in Venezuela - 2.93 ERA, 29:7 K:BB, 8.52 K/9IP - but 30.2 innings across six winter ball starts isn't likely enough to stretch Morrow into a starter at this point. Don't be surprised if the Mariners end up sending him to Triple-A before handing him a rotation job. Morrow still has good upside, though he had control problems last year (66 strikeouts to 50 walks and a 7.11 BB/9).
The club's 2006 first-round draft pick, Morrow has a high-90s fastball and a mid-80s spilt-fingered fastball, making for a devastating combination. He needs to develop a consistent slider to make his four-pitch hand, which also includes a good changeup, complete. Morrow likely will start the year at High-A High Desert, but could advance quickly.
More Fantasy News
Unlikely to pitch in 2021
PLos Angeles Dodgers  
Elbow
May 2, 2021
Morrow (elbow) was shut down from throwing and isn't expected to pitch this season, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Not likely to pitch in spring games
PLos Angeles Dodgers  
March 6, 2021
Morrow is unlikely to pitch in Cactus League games this spring, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Healthy entering camp
PLos Angeles Dodgers  
February 19, 2021
Morrow (elbow) is beginning spring training healthy, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Lands invitation to spring training
PLos Angeles Dodgers  
Elbow
December 11, 2020
Morrow (elbow) signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Recovering from minor procedure
PFree Agent  
Elbow
July 9, 2020
Morrow (elbow) relayed Wednesday that he recently underwent a minor nerve procedure, but he expects to be fully healthy at some point later this season and hopes to catch on with another team, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Setbacks continue
PChicago Cubs  
February 29, 2020
Morrow suffered a mild calf strain after a throwing session Thursday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Morrow rejoined the Cubs on a minor-league deal after missing the entirety of the 2019 campaign with elbow issues, and injuries continue to plague him in spring training. The veteran right-hander entered camp with food poisoning and then suffered a chest strain last week, only to tweak his calf after returning to throwing Thursday. Morrow delivered a 1.47 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while converting 22 of 24 saves for the Cubs before going down with an arm injury in 2018, but at this point it's incredibly difficult to see him staying healthy enough to become a factor at the major-league level again.
See All MLB Rumors