The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t make headlines with flashy free-agent acquisitions this offseason — in fact, they made just one. But that single, budget-friendly move is proving to be one of the smartest decisions in baseball so far.
At 24–20 and only a game behind the first-place Cubs in the NL Central, the Cardinals are quietly creeping back into contention. Much of the credit belongs to 32-year-old reliever Phil Maton, who signed a modest one-year, $2 million deal — and has since become a pillar of the bullpen.
A native of Paducah, Kentucky, Maton grew up a die-hard Cardinals fan. Now, he’s living out a childhood dream, wearing the uniform he once cheered for from home. And he’s doing it in style. Over 19 appearances, Maton has pitched 17 innings, posted a 3.18 ERA, struck out 21 batters, and maintained a steady 1.24 WHIP — all while serving as St. Louis’ most reliable late-inning option.
His impact has been massive. The Cardinals bullpen, shaky early in the season, has started to gel — and Maton is a big reason why.
A Rejuvenated Arm
Last season, Maton split time between the Mets and Rays, finishing with a solid but unspectacular 3.66 ERA over 64 innings. In 2025, however, he’s taken a leap forward. His velocity is up by more than 2 MPH compared to last year, and he’s refined his pitch mix and command with impressive results.
Analytics back up the eye test. His walk rate has jumped from the 33rd to the 81st percentile, and his strikeout rate from the 47th to the 91st. These improvements have transformed Maton from a dependable reliever into one of the most effective — and affordable — arms in the league.
The Trade Rumor Cloud
Maton’s breakout hasn’t gone unnoticed. His low-cost deal and high-level performance have put him on the radar as a possible trade chip for contenders looking to bolster their bullpen. But that’s not a future Maton wants to think about.
“Ten-year-old me would’ve thought playing here was the coolest thing ever,” Maton told MLB.com. “We had all the Cardinals gear in the house — Mark McGwire stuff, a little red plastic locker in my room. It meant everything.”
Now, with St. Louis pushing for a Wild Card spot — or even the division — there’s little reason to move him. But if the Cardinals falter, his name could resurface in trade talks.
A Win No Matter What
Whether Maton finishes the season in a Cardinals uniform or brings back strong value in a trade, the $2 million deal is already a clear win. In a season filled with cautious optimism and measured expectations, Phil Maton has emerged as the unsung hero — and possibly the most valuable reliever dollar-for-dollar in baseball.
