As the dust settles on the 2025 Texas Rangers season, we're diving into the performances of each player who took the field for the team. Today, let's focus on reliever Phil Maton, a seasoned journeyman in the MLB.
Phil Maton's career has been a whirlwind tour across the majors. Since his debut in 2017, Maton has been the epitome of a reliable reliever, making at least 30 appearances each season, except for 2020. Over the past five years, he's consistently clocked in with at least 63 games annually.
With over eight years of major league service, Maton has suited up for seven teams. Now, he's set to add an eighth, the Chicago Cubs, after signing a two-year deal this offseason.
Maton's journey began with the San Diego Padres, where he spent over two seasons before being traded to Cleveland in 2019 for international bonus slot money. Two years later, he was part of a trade to the Astros, alongside Yainer Diaz, for Myles Straw. It’s a tough pill to swallow being part of a package deal, but that’s the life of a reliever.
In 2024, the Rays sold Maton to the Mets, a move that can sting more than a trade. By 2025, he found himself with the Rangers after Texas traded Skylar Hales, Mason Molina, and international bonus slot money for him. Neither Hales nor Molina were top prospects, making the deal a savvy move for the Rangers.
Maton quickly proved his worth in Texas. In his first five games post-trade, he allowed just one run over five innings.
He continued to impress, giving up only three runs over his final 15.2 innings in 16 outings. Those are numbers any team would be thrilled with.
However, two outings stand out for Rangers fans, and not in the best way. On August 13, against Arizona, Maton seemed poised for glory with an immaculate inning in the eighth and a strong start to the ninth. But a home run by James McCann and a series of unfortunate events led to a heart-wrenching loss.
Just two days later in Toronto, Maton was called in to extinguish a fire but couldn’t prevent the damage. Despite a solid strikeout, a bases-loaded walk and a two-run single from Alejandro Kirk turned the tide.
Overall, Maton delivered a solid 3.52 ERA and 2.70 FIP in 23 appearances for the Rangers. For the cost, his performance was a win for Texas, even if marred by those two tough losses.
Phil Maton's journey continues, and with his move to the Cubs, he's ready for the next chapter in his well-traveled career.