“It’s Personal” – Cardinals Pitcher Slammed for Threatening Warning After Mets for $7.75 Million Insult

Baseball has its highs and lows, but the recent drama between St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton and the rest of Major League Baseball has taken things to another level. The reason? Maton fired a warning shot at all 29 teams in the league, leaving fans stunned and furious. So what exactly triggered this uproar?

It all began when the New York Mets declined Maton’s $7.75 million option, choosing instead to pursue other players. In response, Maton became vocal, hinting at revenge not just against the Mets, but the entire league. Unsurprisingly, fans didn’t take it lightly—they went after him hard.

Things seemed normal on Thursday afternoon when a few Mets players were seen chatting with their former teammate. But Maton, still carrying the sting of rejection, made it clear he hadn’t forgotten the decision. The Mets declined his $7.75 million option in favor of a $250,000 buyout. He then became a free agent before signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals. And now, according to a report by New York Post Sports, Maton is out for payback.

While Maton’s frustration is understandable, his performance left a lot to be desired. He went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA in his first season with the Mets but followed that with a 3-3 record and a 3.66 ERA across 71 games. Over the 2024 season, he recorded only 60 strikeouts and had a 1.11 WHIP. That’s likely why the Mets passed on his option. Still, his “revenge tour” hasn’t been received kindly by the fan base.

Cardinals pitcher’s threatening warning leaves fans in a frenzy

Once the news broke that Maton was seeking revenge, fans flooded social media with angry reactions. One X user wrote, “Phil, you were unwatchable in the postseason. Goodbye and good riddance.”
And to be fair, Maton’s performance during the playoffs wasn’t much to write home about—he gave up runs at critical moments, frustrating fans and hurting the Mets’ chances.

Another fan fired back with a sarcastic take, saying, “Yeah, we took it personal too with how bad he was in the postseason.” This comment wasn’t just petty—it reflected real disappointment in Maton’s inconsistency when it mattered most.

While many fans were venting, one took a blunt jab, commenting, “This crybaby? Stop.” It wasn’t just about Maton’s comments—it was the fact that the Mets had already moved on, investing in key signings like Pete Alonso’s $21.05 million deal. In comparison, Maton’s value didn’t stack up.

Things got even more heated when another fan added, “Phil, you were literally the worst pitcher I’ve ever seen, out of all levels, in the postseason. Hope this helps.” It may sound harsh, but fans aren’t quick to forget blown leads and shaky command in high-pressure innings.

And then came perhaps the most detailed complaint: “Watching this guy pitch in the postseason was painful. Moved at the pace of a snail and his innings took forever. Gave up runs in most of his outings too. Blew the Brewers game.” That game against Milwaukee clearly stuck with fans, and it’s likely part of what convinced the Mets’ front office to go in another direction.

The contract rejection may have left Maton bitter, but the Mets seem content with their decision. As Maton gears up for his season with the Cardinals, he’ll have a chance to back up his words. But for now, fans aren’t buying into the drama.

What’s your take on the Mets letting Phil Maton go and declining his option? Let us know in the comments!