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

The New York Mets declined relief pitcher Phil Maton's $7.75 million option for the 2025 season on Monday and instead paid him a $250,000 buyout. Maton is now on the free-agent market and will be looking for a new team to pitch for next season. It wouldn't be a surprise for the Mets to try to re-sign him, though, after how effective he was out of their bullpen in 2024 after they acquired him in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 31-year-old right-hander had a 2.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, a save, 30 strikeouts and six walks in 28 2/3 regular-season innings for the Mets in the second half of the season. In 40 outings in relief for the Rays before the trade, Maton wasn't quite as good, recording a 4.58 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, two saves, 30 strikeouts and 18 walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched. Perhaps he'll land somewhere where he'll have a better shot at save chances in 2025.

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.