Thu Mar 13 12:50:00 UTC 2025: **Cardinals Sign Reliever Phil Maton, Designate Bailey Horn for Assignment**
ST. LOUIS, MO – In a move that surprised many, the St. Louis Cardinals announced the signing of veteran right-handed reliever Phil Maton to a one-year major league deal. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed. To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn was designated for assignment.
Maton, 31, joins the Cardinals after a season split between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Mets. While he struggled early in his career, Maton has recently found success, posting a 3.50 ERA and 4.11 FIP over the past three seasons (excluding his time with the Rays in 2024). His strong finish with the Mets, where he recorded a 2.51 ERA in 31 appearances, likely sealed the deal for St. Louis.
The Cardinals’ acquisition of Maton addresses a need for a veteran arm in their bullpen to serve as a bridge between closer Ryan Helsley and younger relievers. The team’s offseason activity was largely limited by the inability to trade veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Horn, a 27-year-old left-hander, was acquired by the Cardinals in January. He made his major league debut last year with the Boston Red Sox but struggled significantly. He now faces the prospect of being traded, claimed off waivers, or outright assigned to the minors. The Cardinals have a week to decide his fate. The team’s quiet offseason, punctuated by the departure of key players like Paul Goldschmidt, makes this low-key signing a notable event.
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