Tigers sending DFA’d infielder to Orioles for cash
Infielder Nick Maton, designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers two days ago, has been traded to the Baltimore Orioles for cash.
This is the second time in two weeks the Orioles have acquired an out-of-options Tigers infielder off the waiver wire. They acquired infielder Tyler Nevin for cash last month.
Maton, who turns 27 this month, opened the 2023 season as the Tigers’ regular third baseman. But he struggled offensively and defensively and was demoted to Triple-A Toledo on June 25. He later returned to the club but never regained an everyday role.
Maton is out of options, meaning he had to make the Tigers’ Opening Day roster in 2024 or be removed from the 40-man roster. The Tigers preempted that decision on Monday, exposing him to waivers one week before the start of spring training.
Maton’s spot on the 40-man roster went to lefty Kolton Ingram, who was claimed from the Los Angeles Angels.
It’s unclear what plans the Orioles have for Maton and Nevin, neither of whom have a clear path to an Opening Day roster spot. Nevin, like Maton, is also out of options, meaning he can’t be freely transferred to the minor leagues.
Maton was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies 13 months ago along with infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling and catcher Donny Sands in exchange for reliever Gregory Soto.
Sands was also designated for assignment this winter, while Vierling is likely to open the 2024 season as the Tigers’ primary third baseman.
Maton hit well for the Phillies in a reserve role over two seasons and was a clubhouse favorite on their 2022 National League championship team. The trade to Detroit represented a big break for his career, giving him a chance to play every day for the first time in his career.
Maton began the season as the semi-regular third baseman but his bat and his glove forced the Tigers to search for other options. He was optioned to Toledo moments after he made a critical error in a series-ending loss to the Minnesota Twins last June. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he needed a “mental reset.”
Maton did well in both his stints with the Mud Hens, but could never get on track in the big leagues. He hit just .173 with a .593 OPS (63 OPS+) in 293 plate appearances. He was also rated below average defensively at second base and well below average at third base.
Maton underwent a procedure on his left knee after the season to address discomfort, but he was expected to be ready for spring training.
