Phil Maton and Tampa Bays Rays finalize $6.5 million, 1-year contract
Houston Astros relief pitcher Phil Maton throws during the first inning of Game 7 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Texas Rangers Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Houston. Reliever Phil Maton and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a $6.5 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, a deal that includes a 2025 club option and could be worth $14 million over two years. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Reliever Phil Maton and the Tampa Bay Rays finalized a $6.5 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, a deal that includes a 2025 club option and could be worth $14 million over two years.
Maton gets a $6.25 million salary this season, and the Rays have a $7.75 million option with a $250,000 buyout.
A 30-year-old right-hander, Maton was 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA with 74 strikeouts over 66 innings last year for Houston, his 89 mph average fastball velocity down 2 mph from 2022. Maton is 16-12 with a 4.25 ERA and two saves in 344 games over seven seasons with San Diego (2017-19), Cleveland (2019-21) and Houston (2021-23).
Tampa Bay announced the agreement Wednesday, the first day of spring training workouts for pitchers and catchers — and the first day the Rays could utilize the 60-day injured list. To open a roster spot, the Rays put left-hander Shane McClanahan on the 60-day IL. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21.
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