Getty Images Phil Maton delivers a pitch for the Astros
The Tampa Bay Rays are staying busy, adding a significant weapon to their 2024 bullpen in free agent reliever Phil Maton, according to a February 3 post by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
The Rays and Maton agreed on a one-year, $6.5 million deal with a 2025 club option. If the option is exercised, the total value of the deal would be $14 million, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.
In 2023, Maton posted a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances. While being one of Houston’s most trusted arms he struck out 74 batters and added 10 holds to his resume. He also held opponents to a career low .207 batting average.
“Between his ability to generate soft contact and his above-average strikeout rates, Maton has rather quietly been one of the more effective relievers in baseball over the last two seasons,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote on February 3.
What Phil Maton Brings to the Table
During his stint with the Astros, Maton thrived in the postseason. In 20 playoff games, he has posted a microscopic 0.83 ERA. The Paducah, Kentucky native has also struck out 22 batters and held opponents to a .149 batting average. If the Rays return to the playoffs, they will need that version of Maton.
Due to his success in high-leverage situations, Maton became one of Houston’s most used arms. For a Rays team that has high expectations, Maton, who will turn 31 in March, brings valuable experience. He also knows what it takes to win a championship, having won a World Series title with Houston in 2022.
How Phil Maton Fits Into the Rays’ Bullpen
With Maton in the mix, the Rays bullpen, ranked 11th in ERA and tied for eighth saves in 2023, has gotten even better.
Manager Kevin Cash can now choose between Maton, Pete Fairbanks, Jason Adam and Shawn Armstrong late in games. That group should help the Rays get plenty of wins.
Additionally, Maton can slot in wherever needed. He has recorded two saves and 46 holds in his career. Over the last two seasons, he has taken his game to another level, finishing with an ERAs of 3.84 and 3.00, respectively. In five seasons with the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians, he never finished with ERA lower than 4.19.
“The weird thing here is that Maton is getting this kind of dominance for the first time in his career, after seven seasons in the majors, and despite dropping miles per hour on his fastball,” SB Nation’s Juan Páez wrote in May 2023. “After averaging a career-high 93.5 miles per hour on his fastball in 2020, he’s averaging 89.5 MPH this year. The difference-maker this time is his curveball, a pitch he’s been developing and throwing more often year after year.”
What Has Led to Phil Maton’s Success?
While Maton doesn’t overpower hitters with speed, his off-speed pitches have given opponents headaches. In 2023, his curveball and sweeper accounted for two-thirds of his total usage. For the first time in Maton’s career, his curveball not his fastball was his most-used pitch.
Due to his changes, Maton produced low exit velocities and hard-hit rates. He also kept the ball in the ballpark, only allowing six home runs. During the 2022 campaign, Maton allowed 10 home runs, which tied his career high.
With spring training only weeks away, the Rays bullpen is expected to be one of the best in the American League. In 2023, they ranked second in WHIP with a 1.19. They also finished in the top five in strikeouts with 657 and held opponents to a .223 batting average.
As Maton adjusts to a new team and city, he should hear his name called upon often. The Rays have not been afraid to have multiple players save games, meaning Maton could get some save opportunities. Regardless of his role, the Rays bullpen is now deeper.