Mets decline Phil Maton’s option for 2025, making him a free agent

The Mets have declined reliever Phil Maton‘s option for the 2025 season, making him a free agent, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Maton’s option was for $7.75 million, with a $250,000 buyout.

The right-hander was strong for the Mets during the 2024 regular season after being acquired from the Rays via trade, with a 2.51 ERA (2.57 FIP) and 0.837 WHIP in 28.2 innings over 31 appearances while striking out 30.

Maton was one of the Mets’ key setup relievers down the stretch, but he struggled in the playoffs, perhaps due in part to the heavy workload he had in August and September as New York was dealing with an injury to Dedniel Núñez while getting Jose Butto acclimated to a relief role — with Butto only available to pitch on a relatively sporadic basis.

In the postseason, Maton was ineffective in the Wild Card Series against the Brewers, allowing three runs on four hits (including two homers) in his only appearance.

Maton allowed one run on three hits in 1.2 innings over two appearances against the Phillies in the NLDS, and gave up two runs on four hits (including two homers) in 3.2 innings over three appearances against the Dodgers in the NLCS.

Despite the Mets declining Maton’s option, it’s possible he returns on a lesser deal.

Maton, who will be entering his age-32 season, has been a reliable arm over his eight-year career, with a 4.16 ERA and 1.29 WHIP for the Mets, Rays, Padres, Cleveland, and the Astros.

With Maton out of the picture for now, the locks for the 2025 bullpen at this point are likely Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, and Núñez. But everything else could be up in the air.

Ryne Stanek, who was a key late inning option in the postseason, is a free agent. Additionally, Adam Ottavino is a free agent and seems unlikely to return, given the Mets’ lack of reliance on him during their postseason run. Also free agents are Drew Smith and Brooks Raley, who are both recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, the Mets have to decide whether to offer arbitration to Sean Reid-Foley and/or Alex Young.