In a late but impactful move before the MLB trade deadline, the Texas Rangers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring seasoned reliever Phil Maton from the St. Louis Cardinals. The club officially announced the transaction late Thursday evening and, in a corresponding roster move, designated outfielder Dustin Harris for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
Deal Breakdown:
To Texas Rangers:
RHP Phil Maton
To St. Louis Cardinals:
LHP Mason Molina (prospect)
RHP Skylar Hales (prospect)
International bonus pool money
The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and later confirmed by The Athletic’s Katie Woo, who added the detail regarding the international signing funds being included in the deal.
Why This Trade Matters
Phil Maton, 32, brings postseason experience, durability, and versatility to a Rangers bullpen that has struggled with consistency. Known for his deceptive fastball and elite spin rate, Maton has been a valuable middle-to-late-inning option throughout his career. His calm presence and ability to miss bats could prove pivotal down the stretch as Texas eyes another deep playoff run.
While Maton’s overall numbers this season are solid—he owns a 3.61 ERA over 47.1 innings with 51 strikeouts—his performance in high-leverage situations and against right-handed hitters has stood out. His WHIP sits under 1.10, and opponents are hitting just .214 against him, making him a reliable late-inning option.
Who Did the Rangers Give Up?
Mason Molina is a promising 21-year-old left-hander who has shown upside in High-A with a strong strikeout rate and improving command. A 2022 draft pick, Molina is seen as a mid-rotation ceiling arm by some scouts.
Skylar Hales, a lesser-known right-handed pitcher, has shown flashes of swing-and-miss potential but remains a work-in-progress. He adds depth to the Cardinals’ lower-level system.
The international bonus pool money will aid St. Louis in signing young international talent, giving them greater flexibility during the upcoming signing period.
Roster Implications
To complete the trade, the Rangers designated outfielder Dustin Harris for assignment. Harris, once a notable hitting prospect, had been struggling to find consistent at-bats in the majors. He now enters waiver limbo, and his future with the organization remains uncertain.
What’s Next?
This move signals that the Rangers are all-in on competing in 2025. Maton adds veteran stability to a bullpen that needed reinforcement, and the cost—while not insignificant—was manageable considering the urgency of contending. Texas may not be done either, as additional bullpen or bench depth could still materialize through waiver claims or minor trades before roster freeze dates.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.
