Mets Acquire Phil Maton From Rays; Joey Lucchesi DFA’d
With 21 days left until the MLB trade deadline, David Stearns and the New York Mets front office made their first move of trade season. The team has announced that they have traded for right-handed pitcher Phil Maton from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. To make room for Maton, Joey Lucchesi has been designated for assignment.
“This is someone that we targeted and talked to over the offseason,” Stearns said. “He’s been a very consistent reliever, pitching in high-leverage environments in Houston. He got off to a rougher start this year and we think some of the adjustments he’s made over the last month or so—throwing a few more strikes, some usage adjustments—have led to some better results and we’re happy to bring him into our ‘pen.”
The Mets took on all the money remaining on Maton’s contract. He has an option for 2025 for $7.75 million (and a $250,000 buyout).
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The former World Series Champion will join the New York Mets bullpen at a time that needs him the most. During Edwin Diaz‘s 10-game suspension, three different pitchers have been placed on the injured list, with two of the three seasons (Brooks Raley and Drew Smith) done for the year. The eight-year veteran throws a variety of pitches at opposing hitters, primarily mixing between his cutter and curveball, but will show a slider and sinker.
Maton had a dominant month of May posting a 0.79 ERA while striking out 10 over 11.1 innings. He’s also allowed just one run since June 12. At times this year he has been inconsistent but has a respectable 4.58 ERA over 35.1 innings pitched with 30 strikeouts. He will look to stay the course of his recent streak and help the Mets’ fatigued bullpen.
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