6 unsigned NY Mets free agents who could still return for the 2025 season

6) Phil Maton

Phil Maton had the opposite experience on the Mets. He was tremendous in the regular season. The playoffs were much different. Heck, even the regular season didn’t end so well for him.

Maton is an interesting journeyman reliever whose reputation might be better than he actually is. His career totals have been mostly average. A 100 ERA+, a 4.00 FIP, 3.5 walks per 9, and 10 strikeouts per 9 all combine to suggest there’s an obvious ceiling.

However, Maton has had some of his better years recently. Three straight sub-4.00 ERA campaigns starting in 2022 with the Houston Astros helped make him a more notable reliever. He feels older than he is, too. Maton will pitch this coming season at only 32.

Maton failed to get the job done for the Mets when they needed him most, which is likely one of the reasons why the team opted out of the $7.75 million they could’ve paid to retain him. Would a lesser deal work? 

The bullpen has been the most ignored part of the Mets roster with several minor league additions brought in but no one of any real significance. Between Stanek and Maton, at least one feels like a viable choice to re-sign.