Cardinals Reportedly Steal $2 Million Reliever From Mets After Solid Season

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to terms on a deal with New York Mets free-agent reliever Phil Maton. Heyman reported that the deal would be for $2 million with a chance at some bonuses.

St. Louis is likely entering the rebuilding stage, which could indicate that Maton may end up a trade candidate if he puts together a solid first half of the season.

Last year, Maton split time between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Mets. With the Rays, he made 40 appearances with a 4.58 ERA and two saves. The righty was much better with the Mets, though. In New York, he held a 2.51 ERA and a 2.57 FIP in 28 2/3 innings out of the Mets’ bullpen.

Now, Maton will be tasked with a middle relief role in the St. Louis bullpen while a few talented arms handle the high-leverage spots.

If the righty can put together a solid first half, there’s a chance the Cardinals will ship him, as well as Ryan Helsley, to a contending team in exchange for prospects in return.

Last season, the reliever market was very hot. We saw relief pitchers being traded for much more than they usually would, including the Miami Marlins netting a massive haul in return for Tanner Scott.

The Cardinals could also hold onto him. He’s set to make just a few million dollars, so it’s not a casualty to sign and keep him.

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