The Tampa Bay Rays have continued their active offseason by bolstering their bullpen for the upcoming 2024 season with the signing of free agent reliever Phil Maton.
Maton and the Rays reached a one-year agreement worth $6.5 million, with a club option for 2025.
In 2023, Maton showcased his reliability with a 3.00 ERA across 68 appearances for the Houston Astros. He impressed by striking out 74 batters and securing 10 holds, establishing himself as one of Houston’s most dependable arms. Additionally, he limited opposing hitters to a career-low.207 batting average.
“Maton’s proficiency in inducing soft contact and his impressive strikeout rates have made him one of the most quietly effective relievers in baseball over the past two seasons,” stated Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors on February 3rd.
During his tenure with the Astros, Phil Maton excelled in postseason play, boasting an impressive 0.83 ERA across 20 playoff appearances. Hailing from Paducah, Kentucky, Maton demonstrated his ability to stifle opposing hitters, tallying 22 strikeouts while limiting them to a mere.149 batting average. Should the Rays advance to the postseason, they’ll rely on Maton’s postseason prowess.
Maton’s proficiency in high-pressure situations earned him significant usage with the Astros, making him one of their go-to arms. As the Rays set high expectations for themselves, the 31-year-old Maton brings invaluable experience to the table. Additionally, having clinched a World Series title with Houston in 2022, Maton understands the recipe for championship success.
With the addition of Phil Maton, the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen, which ranked 11th in ERA and tied for eighth in saves in 2023, has received a significant boost.
Manager Kevin Cash now has a formidable array of options to deploy late in games, including Maton, Pete Fairbanks, Jason Adam, and Shawn Armstrong. This talented group is poised to secure numerous victories for the Rays throughout the season.
In addition to his versatility, Phil Maton brings a wealth of experience in various bullpen roles. Throughout his career, he has notched two saves and an impressive 46 holds. Notably, his performance has ascended to new heights over the past two seasons, with ERAs of 3.84 and 3.00, respectively. This marks a significant improvement compared to his earlier years, where he struggled to maintain an ERA below 4.19 during his tenure with the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians.
SB Nation’s Juan Páez highlighted Maton’s intriguing evolution in May 2023, noting that despite a decrease in fastball velocity over the years, Maton has achieved newfound dominance. While his fastball averaged 93.5 mph in 2020, it has since dropped to 89.5 mph. However, Maton’s development of his curveball has been pivotal, as he has increasingly relied on this pitch, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to refining his repertoire.
Phil Maton’s success can be attributed to his mastery of off-speed pitches rather than relying solely on overpowering hitters with velocity. In 2023, his curveball and sweeper constituted the majority of his pitch selection, accounting for two-thirds of his total repertoire. This marked a significant shift in Maton’s approach, as his curveball surpassed his fastball as his most frequently used pitch for the first time in his career.
This adjustment proved effective, as Maton consistently induced low exit velocities and minimized hard-hit rates from opposing batters. Furthermore, he displayed improved control, limiting home runs to just six in 2023 compared to 10 in the previous season, which had matched his career high. Maton’s ability to keep the ball in the ballpark reflects his dedication to refining his pitching arsenal and evolving as a formidable presence on the mound.
As spring training approaches, anticipation is high for the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen, projected to be one of the strongest in the American League. In the 2023 season, they boasted impressive statistics, ranking second in WHIP with a remarkable 1.19. Additionally, they excelled in strikeouts, finishing in the top five with 657, and held opponents to a stingy.223 batting average.
With Phil Maton settling into his new team and surroundings, he is poised to play a significant role in the bullpen rotation. The Rays have demonstrated a willingness to utilize multiple pitchers for save opportunities, potentially affording Maton the chance to close out games. Regardless of his specific role, Maton’s addition adds depth to an already formidable bullpen unit, further solidifying the Rays’ pitching strength for the upcoming season.
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