The Texas Rangers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring relief pitcher Phil Maton from the St. Louis Cardinals. The 32-year-old right-hander, who is on a one-year, $2 million contract set to expire after the season, is enjoying a standout campaign with a 2.35 ERA, 2.49 FIP, and a career-best 30.4% strikeout rate over 40 appearances.
Maton, a former Astros reliever and part of Houston’s 2023 ALCS roster, brings postseason experience and joins Danny Coulombe as another fresh arm for the Rangers’ bullpen. Texas has also reportedly secured starter Merrill Kelly from Arizona, continuing an aggressive trade deadline strategy.
In exchange for Maton, the Rangers sent prospects Mason Molina and Skylar Hales to St. Louis, along with $250,000 in international bonus pool money. Molina, a 21-year-old starter, holds a 3.41 ERA across low-A and high-A, while Hales, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is a reliever who recently struggled after a promotion to Triple-A Round Rock.
To make space on the 40-man roster, Dustin Harris was designated for assignment. The 25-year-old outfielder had been running out of options and hadn’t produced enough at the Triple-A level (.262/.355/.401 this season) to secure a long-term role.
