In the world of baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays are known for their innovative strategies and ability to build a strong bullpen. Last season, their bullpen led the American League in WHIP and ranked second in batting average against. Now, it seems they are adding another key piece to their already impressive group of relievers.
Reports have surfaced indicating that the Rays are in talks with veteran pitcher Phil Maton for a one-year deal with a club option. The deal would guarantee Maton, who turns 31 in March, a salary of $6.5 million for the 2024 season. If the club exercises the option, he would make $7.75 million in 2025, bringing the total package to $14 million.
Maton is coming off his best season yet as a big leaguer, having played for the Houston Astros in 2023. He made a career-high 68 appearances, totaling 66 innings on the mound. During that time, he maintained an impressive 3.00 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, earning a 4-3 record with one save.
The Louisiana Tech product was initially selected by the San Diego Padres in the 20th round of the 2015 draft. Since then, he has made a total of 344 appearances over seven seasons with San Diego, Cleveland, and Houston. Notably, in his 20 postseason appearances, 18 of which were with the Astros, Maton has demonstrated remarkable efficiency with a 0.73 WHIP and 0.83 ERA.
If Maton joins the Rays, he will become part of a bullpen that already boasts several talented right-handers. The group includes closer Pete Fairbanks, as well as Jason Adam, Shawn Armstrong, Kevin Kelly, and Chris Devenski. On the left side, the Rays have Colin Poche, Tyler Alexander, and Garrett Cleavinger, with Alexander having been claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers in November.
The Rays saw a few veteran bullpen contributors depart during the offseason for various reasons. Robert Stephenson, who experienced a remarkable resurgence with the Rays, signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Andrew Kittredge was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, while Jalen Beeks and Jake Diekman signed with the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets, respectively. Additionally, left-hander Josh Fleming was waived and claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies.
However, the Rays have proven time and again their ability to overcome roster changes and injuries. Manager Kevin Cash, pitching coach Kyle Snyder, assistant pitching coach Rick Knapp, and bullpen coach Jorge Moncada have consistently navigated these challenges and kept the bullpen performing at a high level. In fact, in 2023, the Rays utilized a staggering 31 pitchers from the bullpen, a testament to their adaptability and resourcefulness.
Adding Phil Maton to the mix would certainly strengthen an already formidable bullpen. With a track record of success and the flexibility that is synonymous with the Rays' strategies, Maton could provide another reliable option for the team as they look to continue their winning ways in the upcoming season.
