The New York Mets have made a notable move in their offseason plans by declining the $7.775 million contract option for relief pitcher Phil Maton, sending the right-hander into free agency. This decision comes after Maton’s first season with the Mets, during which he posted a 2.51 ERA in 37 appearances.
Maton’s Journey to Free Agency
Acquired by the Mets in a midseason trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, Maton quickly became a reliable arm in the team’s bullpen. The 31-year-old finished the 2024 campaign with a combined 3.66 ERA and a career-high 71 appearances between the two clubs.
Despite his solid performance, the Mets elected to buy out Maton’s 2025 option for $250,000 rather than committing to the $7.775 million salary. This move allows the team to allocate resources elsewhere while giving Maton the opportunity to explore other opportunities in free agency.
Maton’s Market Value
As a proven reliever with experience in high-leverage situations, Maton is expected to garner interest from multiple teams seeking bullpen help. His ability to generate strikeouts (9.7 K/9 in 2024) and limit hard contact makes him an attractive option for contenders looking to bolster their relief corps.
Phil has been a tremendous asset to our bullpen since joining the team. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best as he explores free agency.
— A source close to the Mets organization
Impact on the Mets’ Bullpen
With Maton’s departure, the Mets will need to address the void left in their bullpen. The team could look to internal options, such as promoting promising minor league arms, or explore the free-agent market for experienced relievers.
- The Mets’ bullpen ranked 12th in MLB with a 3.78 ERA in 2024
- Maton appeared in 37 games for the Mets, registering 8 holds and 2 saves
As the offseason progresses, the Mets will need to carefully evaluate their roster and make strategic moves to maintain a competitive bullpen while staying within budget constraints.
Manaea Declines Option, Also Hits Free Agency
In a related move, left-hander Sean Manaea also declined his $13.5 million player option for the 2025 season, electing to become a free agent. Manaea, who joined the Mets on a one-year deal in January, posted a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts.
After adjusting his arm slot midseason, Manaea emerged as the Mets’ most effective starter, going 6-2 with a 3.09 ERA in the second half. His decision to test free agency adds another layer of intrigue to the Mets’ offseason plans, as they look to retool their pitching staff.
Looking Ahead
As Phil Maton and Sean Manaea enter free agency, the New York Mets find themselves with important decisions to make regarding their pitching staff. While losing two key contributors presents challenges, it also opens up opportunities for the team to explore new talent and strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.
With the Hot Stove season just beginning, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the Mets’ moves as they navigate the free-agent market and strive to build a championship-caliber roster for the 2025 campaign.
