Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
The St. Louis Cardinals, seeking to solidify their relief corps after a disappointing 2024 season, have signed veteran right-handed reliever Phil Maton. It’s a homecoming of sorts. The righty grew up a Cardinal fan and graduated from Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois. The deal, reportedly for one year, brings a proven arm to a bullpen in desperate need of experience.
Maton Brings Durability and Experience
Maton, known for his deceptive delivery and ability to generate strikeouts, arrives in St. Louis with a wealth of experience. The reliever has pitched in 26 post-season games. His track record demonstrates a consistent ability to perform in high-leverage situations. Additionally, he takes pride in being able to pitch several times a week.
“Something that I really take pride in is my durability and my availability, and that’s something I’d like to continue to do here,” said Maton. “With any great team, you have to have a really good closer, and having that position dialed in here is a great thing. It’s one less question mark to have going forward.”
The right-hander was 3-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 71 games split between the Rays and Mets last season. He appeared in six playoff games with the Mets, who advanced to the 2024 NL Championship Series before losing to the Dodgers.
While Maton’s 2024 season saw some fluctuations, his overall career numbers are solid. He possesses a strong strikeout rate and has demonstrated an ability to limit hard contact. His unique delivery can be particularly challenging for right-handed hitters, adding another dimension to the Cardinals’ bullpen arsenal.
Maton Provides Veteran Leadership
The righty brings a veteran presence to a relatively young bullpen. Beyond his on-field performance, Maton is expected to contribute to the clubhouse culture. His reputation as a hard worker and a team player aligns with the Cardinals’ organizational values. He is seen as a reliable presence who can handle pressure situations and contribute positively to the team’s overall chemistry.
The Cardinals are hoping that a change of scenery and a defined role within their bullpen will allow Maton to regain his peak form. They are banking on his experience and consistency to provide the much-needed stability in the later innings.
Not Flashy but Much Needed Addition
The signing of Phil Maton is not a splashy, headline-grabbing move, but it is a smart one. It addresses a critical need for the Cardinals, providing them with a proven reliever who can contribute immediately. With the departure of Andrew Kittredge, a hole needed to be filled. With the addition of Maton, the Cardinals’ bullpen is poised to be significantly improved. The focus now shifts to how Maton will integrate into the Cardinals’ system and how his experience will influence the rest of the pitching staff. Ultimately, the Cardinals are hoping that he will be able to step in and contribute to the continued success of their bullpen, one of the few bright spots last season.
