Phil Maton Signs $6.5 Million Deal with Tampa Bay Rays, Strengthening Bullpen

The contract includes a 2025 club option, potentially bringing the total value to $14 million over two years.

Phil Maton and the Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a $6.5 million, one-year contract, with a 2025 club option that could total $14 million over two years.
Maton, a 30-year-old right-hander, had a 3.00 ERA with 74 strikeouts over 66 innings last year for Houston, showcasing a high-spin curveball as his primary pitch.
The signing was announced on the first day of spring training workouts, coinciding with the Rays placing left-hander Shane McClanahan on the 60-day injured list due to Tommy John surgery recovery.
Maton's addition is expected to bolster the Rays' bullpen, which lost key relievers but remains a strong unit with potential high performers like Pete Fairbanks, Jason Adam, and Colin Poche.
Maton expressed excitement about joining the Rays, citing the team's reputation for developing pitchers and his desire to continue improving as a pitcher.