In a move that marks the beginning of an offseason filled with pivotal decisions, the New York Mets have opted to decline Phil Maton’s team option, allowing the solid reliever to hit the open market. According to Will Sammon, the Mets will pay Maton a $250,000 buyout, making him a free agent as they look to reshape their bullpen heading into the 2025 season.
Maton’s 2024 Performance: A Mixed Bag
Maton joined the Mets in early July, coming over from the Tampa Bay Rays, and quickly became a reliable option in the bullpen. He made 31 appearances for New York, posting a commendable 2.51 ERA and striking out 30 batters in 28.2 innings. His performance was crucial during the regular season, especially in August and September when the Mets leaned heavily on him. However, the playoffs told a different story. Maton struggled significantly, finishing with an 8.53 ERA in six postseason outings, which likely influenced the team’s decision to move on.
The workload Maton endured during the regular season may have contributed to his playoff struggles. As the season progressed, he appeared to show signs of fatigue, raising concerns about his effectiveness in high-stakes situations. The Mets, weighing the potential risks and rewards of keeping him at a $7.75 million price tag, decided it was best to let him go.
A Veteran with a Journey
At 31 years old, Maton has had an eventful career, playing for five different organizations since making his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2017. His journey has seen ups and downs, particularly during his time with the Rays, where he struggled before finding success in New York. Overall, he finished the 2024 season with a 3.66 ERA, a number that reflects both his solid regular-season contributions and the difficulties he faced in the playoffs.
Given his track record and the demand for reliable relief pitchers, Maton is likely to attract interest in free agency. Teams looking for bullpen depth will view his midseason turnaround with the Mets as a positive sign, despite his postseason woes.
What’s Next for the Mets?
As the Mets head into an important offseason, Maton’s departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding their roster. The front office will need to address several key areas, including the future of slugger Pete Alonso, who is set to become a free agent. With the Mets reportedly interested in superstar Juan Soto, there’s speculation about how that could impact Alonso’s return, especially considering Soto’s expected price tag could approach $700 million.
Additionally, the Mets must consider how to rebuild their bullpen and improve their playoff performance. With the playoff exit still fresh in fans’ minds, the decision to let Maton go signals a desire for change and a commitment to finding the right pieces to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
Phil Maton’s exit from the Mets marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the franchise. As he explores free agency, teams will undoubtedly be keen to see if he can recapture the form that made him a valuable asset during the regular season. For the Mets, the focus will now shift to crafting a competitive roster capable of making a deeper postseason run in 2025. With big decisions looming, it’s a critical time for one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
