Phil Maton Returns to St. Louis Cardinals with One-Year, $7.75M Deal After Free-Agent Wait
After a prolonged free-agent wait, right-handed pitcher Phil Maton is making his return to the St. Louis Cardinals, signing a one-year contract worth $7.75 million. The deal brings the 30-year-old back to his hometown team, where he will look to bolster a bullpen that struggled in 2024.
Maton, who was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 2012, spent several years working through the minor leagues before ultimately breaking into Major League Baseball. Although his previous tenure with the Cardinals was relatively brief, Maton made a lasting impression with his fastball-slider combination and strong strikeout potential. After stints with several other teams, including the Houston Astros, Maton has honed his skills as a reliable bullpen arm.
The signing comes after a waiting period that saw the pitcher remain unsigned throughout the offseason, with teams around the league evaluating their needs and financial flexibility. While the Cardinals were not initially expected to pursue Maton, their decision to make an offer was spurred by the opportunity to add a veteran presence to a bullpen that had its ups and downs in 2024. Last season, the Cardinals struggled with inconsistency in their relief corps, which led to several late-game losses and contributed to their underwhelming performance. With the addition of Maton, the Cardinals are hopeful that his experience can help solidify a unit that will be key to their 2025 playoff aspirations.
For Maton, the chance to return to St. Louis holds personal significance. A native of the area, he has long been a fan of the Cardinals and grew up watching them play. His connection to the team and the city adds an extra layer of excitement for both him and the fans, who have been eager to see him return.
Over his career, Maton has posted a 3.74 ERA with 255 strikeouts over 267 innings, making him a dependable option in high-leverage situations. His ability to miss bats and get critical outs in late innings will provide the Cardinals with a much-needed option in the back end of their bullpen. The $7.75 million deal is a strong financial commitment from the Cardinals, but one that reflects their confidence in Maton’s ability to contribute immediately.
As the 2025 season looms closer, fans will be watching closely to see how Maton performs in his second stint with the team. With his blend of experience and local ties, the pitcher is primed to be a key figure in the Cardinals’ efforts to return to postseason contention.