Cardinals Sign Veteran Pitcher Phil Maton to One-Year Deal

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Cardinals announced Thursday that they have signed right-handed pitcher Phil Maton to a one-year major league contract, marking the team’s first significant free agent acquisition of the offseason.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, but to accommodate Maton on their 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated pitcher Bailey Horn for assignment.

Maton, who will turn 32 later this month, brings a wealth of experience to a bullpen that has undergone significant changes. After spending the previous season with the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, he posted a combined 3.66 ERA over 71 regular-season appearances and contributed in six postseason games, helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series.

Over his eight-year major league career, Maton has compiled a record of 19-15 with a 4.16 ERA (100 ERA+). He has been a reliable relief arm for multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, and most recently the Mets.

In 2024, Maton experienced a career resurgence after being traded to the Mets mid-season. He excelled following the trade, finishing the regular season with a 2.51 ERA and an impressive 0.837 WHIP in 31 appearances. Despite some struggles during the postseason, including allowing two home runs in a Wild Card round loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, he demonstrated his capability as a key contributor when it mattered most.

Drafted in the 20th round by the Padres in 2015, Maton’s early career featured inconsistent performances, reflected in a 4.76 ERA over 215 1/3 innings in his first five seasons. Fortunately, his trajectory improved beginning with his tenure in Houston in 2022, as he recorded 42 holds over the past three seasons.

Maton’s signing comes amid a quiet offseason for the Cardinals, which has largely been characterized by the departure of veteran players like Paul Goldschmidt and the struggle to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado. With the addition of Maton, the Cardinals hope to enhance their late-inning options, bridging the gap between closer Ryan Helsley and a younger back end of the bullpen.

As Maton prepares to don the Cardinals’ uniform, he will have the chance to solidify his role in a pivotal year for the franchise. The organization is looking to rebound and return to contention in the National League Central.