Former Houston Astros star reliever traded to New York Mets

Throughout last offseason, the Houston Astros operated like a cash-strapped team, seemingly unwilling to break the luxury tax threshold.

Three of their star relievers became free agents and they sat without a contract on the open market for a while. Still, the Astros didn’t really pursue signing Hector Neris, Phil Maton or Ryne Stanek to keep them on the team, and all three found new homes.

At the time, it was surprising given how thin their bullpen would be if they didn’t get any of that group back, but when they signed Josh Hader to a mega-contract, it put some of the concerns about the viability of their relief staff to rest.

Maton ultimately signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, with a $7.75 million option through 2025. After his stellar 3.00 ERA and 141 ERA+ in 68 appearances with Houston last season, he was expected to bring the same level of play to his new team.

That wasn’t the case, however, as the right-hander posted a 4.58 ERA and 5.63 FIP in his 40 outings with the Rays.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Maton was traded to the New York Mets in exchange for cash or a player to be named later.

This is an interesting deal for the Mets, who were initially considered a deal candidate heading into the season, but their recent form has them hovering around a playoff spot in the National League. With relief needs significant, they decided to buy the former Astros star cheap.

As for what Houston could do at the deadline, that likely eliminates a reunion with Maton unless things go completely off the rails for New York.

Still, the bullpen isn’t at the top of the Astros’ wish list with so many issues in their starting rotation.

Lance McCullers Jr. could potentially miss more time after his expected return following the All-Star break, so starters will be their primary target with first base.