May 12: Maton cleared waivers and was outrighted back to Charlotte, relays James Fegan of Sox Machine. He’ll again have the right to test free agency but seems likelier to accept another outright and remain in the organization.
May 10: The White Sox announced that infielder Nick Maton has been designated for assignment. First base prospect Tim Elko’s contract was selected in the corresponding move, as was reported yesterday.
This is the second time in two weeks that the Sox have designated Maton, and his first trip through DFA limbo saw him clear waivers and then accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Charlotte. Maton had the option of becoming a free agent because he has been outrighted in the past, but chose to remain in the organization and wait for another crack at a spot on Chicago’s big league roster. That chance came when Maton’s contract was selected again as a corresponding move to Andrew Benintendi’s placement on the injured list, though Maton’s latest stint with the White Sox lasted just a couple of days.
Maton has hit .167/.286/.315 over 63 plate appearances, and he has played in 25 of Chicago’s 39 games this season primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. Since Maton is out of minor league options, the White Sox have to designate him and expose him to the waiver wire whenever they wish to send him to Triple-A, thus giving Maton repeated chances to elect free agency.
As a veteran utilityman on a rebuilding team, Maton isn’t likely to receive the benefit of the doubt when it comes to playing time, as the White Sox are obviously prioritizing young talent. That said, catching on with another team that has more established players also might not give Maton much time on the diamond. Maton’s lack of minor league options leaves him with little flexibility, so if he isn’t claimed on waivers this time around, he’ll face another decision about whether or not to stick with the White Sox or test the open market.
Poor Nick Maton, he needs to go play in Japan or Korea, see if he can establish himself before it’s too late for him here.
It already is.
It is not too late.
He’s only 28, for crying out loud. Coming into his prime, albeit with a lot of bad baseball habits.
I agree with Luke Strong, Nick needs to find his game in the Orient.
Ugh…like a cockroach surviving a nuclear bomb. He’s still here
Nick “the bat”, one of the worst hitters I’ve ever seen!
Japan would be a good move. He’s overpowered in MLB.
It’s a shame nobody seems to care about White Sox news anymore.
It I were a MLB GM, I’d pass on N Maton. That said, His Agent should be exploring a deal in the Orient right now.
He is rhe type of ex-pat who could benefit from the discipline, routine and regimen of baseball in Japan or Korea.
He has tools, but can’t find the way to harness his abilities and replicate good habits and corresponding good performance. And he could do so while still making a good chunk of pocket change.