Nick Maton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent infielder Nick Maton agreed to a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Maton is a versatile defender and has recorded a .659 OPS in parts of five big-league seasons. The 27-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 was hitless with two strikeouts in five at-bats with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 and slashed .258/.366/.470 with an .836 OPS, 16 home runs, 57 RBI and 44 runs scored in 91 games with High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk in the minors. In 184 games at the big-league level since debuting with Philly in 2021, Maton has hit just .205/.303/.357 with 15 homers and 63 RBI in 514 plate appearances. His greatest asset is his infield versatility, and he could see time in the majors for the rebuilding Pale Hose in 2025.

The Baltimore Orioles designated Nick Maton for assignment ahead of Monday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians. Maton was just called up by the Orioles on June 19 after appearing in 41 Triple-A games this season. But to make way for Heston Kjerstad's promotion, the utility specialist was designated for assignment. The 27-year-old only appeared in one game since he was up with the major league club, which happened to be in Baltimore's blowout 17-5 win over the New York Yankees on June 20. Maton will now go on waivers, where he could find a new team or wind up back in the Orioles' minor league system.

The Detroit Tigers designated infielder Nick Maton for assignment on Monday after claiming left-hander Kolton Ingram off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Maton began the 2023 season as Detroit's primary option at third base, but that didn't last long and now he's no longer on the team's 40-man roster entering spring training. The 26-year-old hit an abysmal .173/.288/.305 with a career-high eight home runs, nine doubles, 32 RBI and 29 runs scored in 293 plate appearances over a career-high 93 games in his first year in Detroit in 2023. Maton also had offseason surgery on his knee, although he's expected to be healthy for the start of the 2024 regular season. In addition to third base, Maton also saw time at second base and shortstop. If he sticks with the Tigers, he'll be ticketed for a utility role.