Phil Maton was surprised and disappointed when the New York Mets didn’t pick up his 2025 option. Excellent for much of the regular season after the team acquired him in a cash for player swap with the Tampa Bay Rays, a poor finish and lackluster playoff performance had the Mets thinking twice about bringing him back.
He had to wait until March 13 before signing. Maton said the St. Louis Cardinals were the only team who gave him a MLB offer. For just $2 million, or half the price of Ryne Stanek, turned in a noteworthy 2025 performance with St.