Don’t look now, but the St. Louis Cardinals might be staging a comeback. Sitting at 24-20 and just a game behind the first-place Cubs in the NL Central, the team suddenly looks like a legitimate threat.
Despite a roster that closely resembles last year’s underwhelming squad, improved defense and a few under-the-radar moves by president John Mozeliak are making a real difference.
One of the most impactful additions? Reliever Phil Maton. The 32-year-old hometown product — signed for just $2 million on a one-year deal — has become a crucial piece of the bullpen.
In 19 appearances spanning 17 innings, Maton has posted a solid 3.18 ERA with 21 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP, quickly emerging as one of the club’s most trusted late-inning arms.
The Cardinals’ bullpen hasn’t been flawless, but it’s steadily become a strength, thanks in large part to Maton’s elevated performance. After splitting last season between the Mets and Rays with modest results, Maton’s numbers have jumped across the board.
His walk rate has soared into the 81st percentile, strikeouts into the 91st, and he’s even added velocity to his fastball — over 2 MPH faster than in 2024.
That kind of production on a bargain contract has unsurprisingly drawn trade interest. With the deadline approaching, Maton could be a prime target for contenders hunting bullpen help.
But Maton, a lifelong Cardinals fan, would rather not go anywhere. “Ten-year-old me would’ve thought this was super cool,” he told MLB.com, reminiscing about growing up with Mark McGwire gear and a red Cardinals locker in his room.
For now, St. Louis looks poised to make a serious postseason push, and Maton’s not likely to be moved unless the team falls off in the standings.
Either way — whether he anchors a playoff run or brings back value in a trade — Maton’s signing is already one of the best bargains of the season.
