Tampa Bay Rays Sign Talented Former Astros' Pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly reached an agreement to sign former Houston Astros pitcher Phil Maton.

This move comes as the Rays aim to reinforce their bullpen following a 99-win season in 2023 but faced the departure of key pitchers such as Tyler Glasnow and Robert Stephenson.

Maton, known for his effective use of a breaking ball despite a fastball that averages around 89 mph, had a successful season with the Astros, posting a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances.

RHP Phil Maton is finalizing a deal with the Rays, per source. Maton had a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Astros in 2023.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 3, 2024

His signing with the Rays is seen as a strategic addition, particularly for mid-innings matchups, and is expected to fill some of the gaps left by the recent free agency losses.

Phil Maton's journey in Major League Baseball has been noteworthy, with stints at the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and most recently the Astros, where he became known as one of the most reliable high-leverage arms in their bullpen.

Last year, Maton delivered one of his best career performances, which included a 3.00 ERA across 66 innings over 68 games, demonstrating his ability to limit hard contact and excel in strikeout rates.

His curveball, in particular, has been a standout, contributing significantly to his pitching success.

The Rays add Phil Maton pic.twitter.com/JRq6N1iHTf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 3, 2024

The details of Maton's contract with the Rays have yet to be disclosed, but it's speculated that it could be a one or two-year deal, aligning with the norm for mid-innings bullpen arms.

His previous contracts with the Astros were valued at $1.55 million and $2.55 million, respectively, suggesting that his deal with the Rays could be in a similar range, potentially with added incentives based on performance.

This acquisition is a key move for the Rays as they look to maintain competitiveness in the AL East and build on their previous season's achievements. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports