Phil Maton's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The New York Mets acquired right-hander Phil Maton on Tuesday from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. In a corresponding move, the Mets designated left-hander Joey Lucchesi for assignment. Maton is expected to provide middle-relief depth for the Mets with the move to the National League. The 31-year-old reliever hasn't been fantasy relevant in 2024 with a 1-2 record, 4.58 ERA (5.63 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP, a career-high two saves, 30 strikeouts and 18 walks in 35 1/3 innings out of Tampa's bullpen in 40 appearances. It's a pretty big step back for in his eighth MLB season after he had a 3.00 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with a save and 74:25 K:BB in 66 relief innings last year with the Houston Astros.

While the Tampa Bay Rays' signing of free-agent relief pitcher Phil Maton is pending a physical exam and may not be finalized until next week, the framework of the deal is now in place, per Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. The 30-year-old is set to make $6.25 million in 2024, with a 2025 option for $7.75 million or a $250,000 buyout. Maton had the best season of his career in 2023 with the Houston Astros, going 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 27.0% strikeout rate to go with 10 holds in 66 innings pitched. Maton will likely not be in line for save opportunities with the Rays, but he should see hold opportunities, making him a fantasy option in deeper saves-plus-holds leagues.

Free-agent right-hander Phil Maton is finalizing an undisclosed deal with the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, according to a source. Maton had the best season of his career in 2023 with the Houston Astros, going 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA (3.74 FIP), a 1.12 WHIP, his second career save, 25 walks and 74 strikeouts in 66 relief innings. In the last two seasons with the Astros, he has a combined 3.42 ERA (4.03 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 49 walks and 147 punchouts in 131 2/3 relief frames. Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam should see most of Tampa's high-leverage closing situations at the back end of the bullpen in 2024, but the 30-year-old Maton should be a valuable late-inning setup piece in front of them this year. An impressive 26.5 percent strikeout rate for his career should make him valuable in deep holds leagues in 2024.