5 Mets free agent targets to bolster the bullpen who won't cost a whole lot of money

Phil Maton looks like a real deal for the Mets

Phil Maton appears to be an under-the-radar candidate this offseason in free agency. The unrestricted free agent who has been part of the Houston Astros organization since 2021, showed good numbers this season.

One of the qualities that most adorn Maton's career has been his ability to induce or limit hard-hit contact from his opponents. Over the past two years, the 30-year-old reliever has managed to keep his opponents' exit velocity below 85 mph, ranking in the top 3% of the league.

During the 2023 season, Maton's numbers were even better than his past seasons. Maton managed to keep hitters' hard-hit contact at 23.5%, the lowest of his career, and limited the opposition to hitting for an expected batting average of just .192 and an expected slugging average of .322.

Maton's success this season was due to the greater use of his curveball, which he hit for a BA of .168 with an SLG of just .280. Despite not being a flame thrower reliever, Maton has managed to keep generating enough swing and misses from his opponents necessary to avoid damage.

Maton would be an excellent piece in the Mets bullpen for the 2024 season and beyond. His experience allows him to be a reliable reliever even in high-leverage situations at a low cost.