Nick Maton

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Nick Maton

|image = Nick_Maton_Phillies_2022.png

|caption = Maton batting for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Utility player

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|2|18}}

|birth_place = Chatham, Illinois, U.S.

|bats = Left

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = April 19

|debutyear = 2021

|debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = May 8, 2025

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .201

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 17

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 67

|teams =

Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2023}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2024}})
Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2025}})

}}

Nicholas Maton ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|eɪ|t|ɑː|n}} {{respell|MAY|tahn}};[https://pressbox.athletics.com/Publications/MLB%20Media%20Guides/MLB%20Publications/2021%20Player%20Name%20Presentations%20&%20Pronunciation%20Guide.pdf Major League Baseball 2021 Player Name Presentation Preferences and Pronunciations (Philadelphia Phillies page).] Retrieved June 6, 2021 born February 18, 1997) is an American professional baseball utility player who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox. Maton played college baseball at Eastern Illinois University and Lincoln Land Community College. He was selected by the Phillies in the seventh round of the 2017 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2021.

Early life and amateur career

Maton was born and grew up in Chatham, Illinois, and attended Glenwood High School.{{cite web|url=https://newschannel20.com/sports/content/catching-up-with-glenwood-alum-nick-maton|title=Catching Up with Phillies Draft Pick Nick Maton|first=Donnie|last=Tillman|website=NewsChannel20.com|date=June 20, 2017}} He was a four-year starter on the Titans baseball team and was named first team All-State and the Central State Eight Conference Player of the Year as a senior after batting .442 with 28 RBIs, 45 runs scored and 20 stolen bases while also going 8–1 as a pitcher with a 0.95 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched.{{cite web|url=https://www.sj-r.com/article/20150701/SPORTS/150709932|title=CS8 baseball player of year: Glenwood's Nick Maton excelled as pitcher, hitter, fielder|first=Ryan|last=Mahan|work=The State Journal-Register|date=July 1, 2015}} Maton was selected in the 40th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics but opted not to sign with the team and instead play college baseball at Eastern Illinois University.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/9374/nick-maton/|title=Nick Maton Stats & Scouting Report|work=Baseball America|date=June 29, 2017}}

Maton played as the Panthers starting shortstop as a true freshman, batting .299 with 12 doubles, four triples and three home runs with 28 runs scored and 24 runs driven in and was named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Freshman team.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/phillies/2017-major-league-baseball-draft-phillies-live-updates-20170613.html|title=Phillies selections on Day 2 of the MLB draft|first=Matt|last=Breen|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=June 13, 2017}} After the season Maton played collegiate summer baseball for the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League, where he batted .175 with two doubles and 15 RBIs.{{Cite web|url=https://coastalplain.com/coastal-plain-league-alum-nick-maton-makes-mlb-debut-with-phillies/coastalplain.com|title=Coastal Plain League}} He transferred to Lincoln Land Community College after his freshman year. In his only season with the Loggers, Maton batted .408 with eight home runs, 46 RBIs, 60 runs scored and 33 stolen bases while also posting a 4–1 record in thirteen appearances as a pitcher and initially committed to continue his collegiate baseball career at Missouri.{{cite web|url=https://www.channel1450.com/2017/06/16/seventh-round-draft-pick-nick-maton-will-sign-with-the-philadelphia-phillies/|title=Seventh Round Draft Pick, Nick Maton Will Sign with the Philadelphia Phillies|website=Channel1450.com|date=June 16, 2017}} Maton was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft and signed with the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.sj-r.com/sports/20170613/glenwood-lincoln-lands-nick-maton-chosen-in-mlb-draft|title=Glenwood, Lincoln Land's Nick Maton chosen in MLB draft|work=The State Journal-Register|date=June 13, 2017}}

Professional career

=Philadelphia Phillies=

Maton was assigned to the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters to begin his professional career, where he batted .252 with two home runs, 13 RBIs and 34 runs scored and stole ten bases in 58 games.{{cite web|url=https://blueclaws.mlblogs.com/road-to-lakewood-infielders-dd386a423a52|title=Road to Lakewood: Infielders|first=Greg|last=Giombarrese|website=blueclaws.mlblogs.com|date=February 28, 2018}} He played for the Single–A Lakewood BlueClaws in 2018, hitting for a .256 average with eight home runs and 51 RBI's in 114 games and was a South Atlantic League All-Star.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-2019-prospects-minor-league-baseball-mickey-moniak-alec-bohm-draft-mlb-top-25-20190419.html|title=Phillies' top 25 minor-league prospects: Spencer Howard, Alec Bohm lead list|first=Bob|last=Brookover|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=April 19, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/jersey-shore/news/six-blueclaws-named-south-atlantic-league-all-stars-279868592|title=Six BlueClaws Named South Atlantic League All-Stars|website=Minor League Baseball|date=June 5, 2018}} Maton was assigned to the High–A Clearwater Threshers to start the 2019 season and posted a .276 batting average with five home runs, 14 doubles and 45 RBIs and was named a Florida State League All-Star before earning a promotion to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils for the rest of the season. He hit .210 with two home runs in 21 games with Reading.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-nick-maton-will-play-in-big-league-camp/|title=Phillies' Nick Maton: Will play in big-league camp|website=CBSSports.com|publisher=RotoWire|date=January 13, 2020}} After the season, Maton was selected by the Phillies to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions.{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/sports/ironpigs-phillies/mc-spt-phillies-arizona-fall-league-20191008-4ul7y4vmzbe75exvlkr7oz3jc4-story.html|title=Tracking Phillies prospects in the Arizona Fall League: Josh Stephen earning attention again|work=The Morning Call|date=October 8, 2019}} Maton was invited to Spring Training by the Phillies in 2020 and was named one of the Phillies top 10 prospects for 2020 by Baseball America.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1586665/2020/02/07/evaluating-the-phillies-29-spring-training-non-roster-invitees-and-their-chances-of-making-the-team/|title=Evaluating the Phillies' 29 spring training non-roster invitees and their chances of making the team|first=Meghan|last=Montemurro|website=The Athletic|date=February 7, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2020-philadelphia-phillies-top-mlb-prospects/|title=2020 Philadelphia Phillies Top 30 MLB Prospects|work=Baseball America}} He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.File:From Nationals vs. Phillies at Nationals Park, May 12th, 2021 (All-Pro Reels Photography) - 51187423882 (cropped).jpg

On November 20, 2020, the Phillies added Maton to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-rule-5-draft-protection-2020|title=Phillies protect six from Rule 5 Draft|first=Todd|last=Zolecki|website=MLB.com|date=November 20, 2020}} After being assigned to the team's alternate training site to start the 2021 season, Maton was promoted to the Phillies on April 19, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-nick-maton-making-mlb-debut/|title=Phillies' Nick Maton: Making MLB debut|website=CBS Sports|publisher=RotoWire|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2021}} He made his MLB debut that night as the starting shortstop against the San Francisco Giants, and collected his first major league hit, a single off of Giants starter Kevin Gausman.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-giants-game-recap-mlb-20210419.html|title=Phillies' bats go quiet in 2-0 loss to Giants as Gabe Kapler gets 200th career win|first=Scott|last=Lauber|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2021}} Maton began his career with a six-game hitting streak, with multiple hits in each of the final four games.{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-nick-maton-center-field-joe-girardi-20210425.html|title=Phillies rookie Nick Maton picks up two more hits. Could he be an option in center field?|first=Scott|last=Lauber|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=April 25, 2021}} He hit the first and second home runs of his MLB career on May 16, 2021, in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/phillies-vs-blue-jays/2021/05/16/634069#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=634069|title=Box Score, Blue Jays 10, Phillies 8|date=May 16, 2021|website=mlb.com|accessdate=May 17, 2021}}

On August 23, 2022, Maton recorded his first walk-off hit against the Cincinnati Reds off pitcher Alexis Díaz. {{Cite web |title=Reds 6, Phillies 7 Final Score (08/23/2022) on MLB Gameday |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/reds-vs-phillies/2022/08/23/661600/final |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

In the 2022 regular season with the Phillies, he batted .250/.341/.514 in 72 at bats with five home runs and 17 RBIs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matonni01.shtml|title=Nick Maton Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} He played 10 games each in left field, right field, and at second base, and two games each at shortstop, third base, and pitcher. Maton made one post-season appearance during the Phillies 2022 playoff run in Game 2 of the World Series. He was hitless in one at bat as a pinch-hitter.Scott Allen. "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/10/29/world-series-game-2-phillies-astros/#link-SYUKBS6GUNFETIKIWYIW7PZ4D4 Phillies Cut Astros Lead to 5-1 in the Seventh]". Washington Post.com, October 29, 2022.

=Detroit Tigers=

On January 7, 2023, Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands were traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens.{{Cite web |last=Richter |first=Erich |date=January 7, 2023 |title=Phillies acquire stud closer Gregory Soto from Tigers |url=https://nypost.com/2023/01/07/phillies-acquire-stud-closer-gregory-soto-from-tigers/ |access-date=January 7, 2023 |website=New York Post}} On April 15, Maton hit his first career walk-off home run against the San Francisco Giants in the 11th inning.{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Jason |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Maton's walk-off lights up Comerica ... literally |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-maton-hits-1st-career-walk-off-home-run-in-11th-inning |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=MLB.com}} The Tigers optioned Maton to Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens following the game on June 25, after he struggled on offense and defense for much of the season.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Tigers option Nick Maton to Triple-A Toledo because 'adjustments need to be made' |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/06/25/nick-maton-detroit-tigers-triple-a-in-search-of-adjustments/70355156007/ |access-date=June 26, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} On the year, Maton played in 93 games for Detroit, batting .173/.288/.305 with 8 home runs and 32 RBI. He was designated for assignment by the Tigers on February 5, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Petzold |first1=Evan |title=Detroit Tigers claim reliever Kolton Ingram off waivers; Nick Maton designated for assignment |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/02/05/detroit-tigers-kolton-ingram-off-waivers-nick-maton-designated-for-assignment/72482876007/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |work=Detroit Free Press |date=February 5, 2024}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On February 7, 2024, Maton was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.{{cite news |title=Orioles acquire utilityman Nick Maton from the Tigers for cash |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39480627/orioles-acquire-utilityman-nick-maton-tigers-cash |access-date=February 8, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=February 7, 2024}} He was optioned to the Triple–A Norfolk Tides to begin the 2024 season{{Cite web|title=Injuries & Moves: Maton, McKenna won't make team (source)|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-injuries-and-roster-moves|access-date=March 25, 2024|website=mlb.com|language=en}} but was designated for assignment on March 26 following the signing of Tony Kemp.{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Jesse |title=Orioles sign veteran IF/OF Tony Kemp to major league contract |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39815186/orioles-sign-veteran-tony-kemp-major-league-contract |access-date=March 26, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=March 26, 2024}} Maton cleared waivers and was sent outright to Norfolk on March 31.{{Cite web|title=A's Claim Tyler Nevin Off Waivers, Designate Adrian Martinez|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/as-claim-tyler-nevin-off-waivers.html|access-date=March 31, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 31, 2024 |language=en}} In 41 games for Norfolk, he hit .294/.387/.483 with seven home runs and 28 RBI. On June 19, the Orioles selected Maton's contract to the active roster following an injury suffered by Jordan Westburg.{{Cite web|title=Orioles Select Nick Maton|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/orioles-select-nick-maton.html|access-date=June 19, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He appeared in one game as a defensive replacement for Westburg, and was designated for assignment following the promotion of Heston Kjerstad on June 24.{{cite news |title=Orioles recall OF prospect Heston Kjerstad, No. 2 pick in 2020 draft |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40421535/orioles-recall-prospect-heston-kjerstad-no-2-pick-2020-draft |access-date=June 25, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=June 24, 2024}} Maton cleared waivers and was sent outright to Norfolk on June 28.{{Cite web|title=Orioles place Corbin Burnes on paternity list, recall Matt Krook|url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/orioles-place-corbin-burnes-on-paternity-list-recall-matt-krook|access-date=June 28, 2024|website=masnsports.com|language=en}} On September 2, the Orioles selected Maton's contract, adding him back to the active roster.{{Cite web|title=Orioles Select Nick Maton|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/orioles-select-nick-maton-2.html|access-date=September 2, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 4 games for Baltimore, he went 0–for–5 with 2 strikeouts. Maton was designated for assignment by the Orioles on September 15.{{cite news |title=Orioles activate Heston Kjerstad, Jacob Webb from IL |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41273989/orioles-activate-heston-kjerstad-jacob-webb-il |access-date=September 16, 2024 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=September 15, 2024}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Norfolk on September 17.{{Cite web|title=Nick Maton Accepts Outright Assignment With Orioles|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/nick-maton-accepts-outright-assignment-with-orioles.html|access-date=September 22, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} Maton elected free agency on October 4.[https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-04 Minor League Baseball]

=Chicago White Sox=

On December 3, 2024, Maton signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.{{Cite web|title=White Sox Sign Infielder Nick Maton To A Minor League Deal|url=https://www.soxon35th.com/white-sox-sign-nick-maton-to-a-minor-league-deal/|access-date=December 3, 2024|website=soxon35th.com=en}} On March 27, 2025, the White Sox selected Maton's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.{{cite news |title=White Sox make 10 roster moves |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-white-sox-make-10-roster-moves |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=MLB.com |date=March 27, 2025}} In 23 appearances for Chicago, he batted .173/.295/.327 with two home runs and four RBI. Maton was designated for assignment by the White Sox on April 26.{{cite news |title=White Sox acquire Gabe Workman in trade with Cubs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44869528/white-sox-acquire-gabe-workman-trade-cubs |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=April 26, 2025}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on April 28.{{Cite web|title=White Sox Outright Nick Maton|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/04/white-sox-outright-nick-maton.html|access-date=May 7, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} On May 7, the White Sox selected Maton's contract, adding him back to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=White Sox Place Andrew Benintendi On IL, Select Nick Maton|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/white-sox-place-andrew-benintendi-on-il-select-nick-maton.html|access-date=May 7, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} After two appearances, Maton was designated for assignment on May 10.{{Cite web|title=White Sox Designate Nick Maton For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/white-sox-designate-nick-maton-for-assignment.html|access-date=May 10, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Charlotte on May 12.{{Cite web|title=White Sox's Nick Maton: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-nick-maton-outrighted-to-triple-a-962381/|access-date=May 13, 2025|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Maton was released by the White Sox organization on June 19.https://www.milb.com/transactions/2025-06-19

Personal life

Maton is the younger brother of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton.{{cite web|url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/sports/2019/08/01/baseball-bloodlines-run-strong-in-maton-family|title=Baseball Bloodlines Run Strong in Maton Family|first=Mike|last=Cairns|website=BayNews9.com|date=July 31, 2019}}

References

External links

{{baseballstats|mlb=665155|espn=41284|br=m/matonni01|fangraphs=21635|brm=maton-000nic|retro=M/Pmaton001}}

[https://eiupanthers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-maton/4874 Eastern Illinois Panthers bio]
[https://lincolnlandloggers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-maton/993 Lincoln Land Loggers bio]

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Aberdeen IronBirds players

Category:Baltimore Orioles players

Category:Baseball players from Sangamon County, Illinois

Category:Charlotte Knights players

Category:Chicago White Sox players

Category:Clearwater Threshers players

Category:Detroit Tigers players

Category:Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball players

Category:Lakewood BlueClaws players

Category:Lehigh Valley IronPigs players