The New York Mets have declined the 2025 contract option of reliever Phil Maton, according to multiple reports on Monday.
Due $7.75 million next season, Maton will become a free agent after the team pays a $250,000 buyout.
Purchased from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9, the 31-year-od right-hander helped bolster a rag-tag bullpen that had been doing just enough to stay afloat during the first month of the team’s resurgence from the basement of the National League to a postseason spot.
In 31 appearances with New York, Maton went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA with six games finished and one save — developing into an invaluable set-up man for closer Edwin Diaz down the stretch.
He struggled mightily in the postseason, though, allowing six runs on 11 hits with four walks and six strikeouts in 6.1 innings of work for a bloated 8.53 ERA.
With his departure, the Mets have Diaz, Reed Garrett, Danny Young, and the newly acquired Dylan Covey as the only natural relievers on the roster. Jose Butto performed admirably as a multi-inning relief option after being demoted from the starting rotation, and Tylor Megill could also be an option.
