Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the St. Louis Cardinals have reached an agreement with free-agent reliever Phil Maton, who finished last season with the New York Mets. The deal is reportedly worth $2 million, with the potential for additional bonuses.
With the Cardinals seemingly entering a rebuilding phase, Maton could become a trade asset if he performs well early in the season. In 2024, Maton split time between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Mets. He struggled in Tampa, posting a 4.58 ERA over 40 appearances with two saves. However, he turned things around in New York, recording a 2.51 ERA and a 2.57 FIP across 28 2/3 innings out of the Mets’ bullpen.
In St. Louis, Maton is expected to serve in a middle-relief role, while other arms take on the high-leverage innings. Should he impress in the first half, there’s a possibility the Cardinals could trade him—along with closer Ryan Helsley—to a contending team in exchange for prospects. The relief market was especially active last year, with teams paying steep prices for bullpen help, as seen when the Miami Marlins secured a large return for Tanner Scott.
Alternatively, the Cardinals may opt to keep Maton, given his affordable salary and potential value to the bullpen.
The Cardinals might also choose to keep Maton on the roster. With his salary being relatively modest—just a few million dollars—it wouldn’t be a significant burden for St. Louis to hang on to him.
