SAN ANTONIO — Right-handed pitcher Phil Maton has officially entered free agency as the New York Mets opted against exercising his $7,775,000 contract option, choosing instead to offer a $250,000 buyout.

Maton, 31, concluded his first season with the Mets with a record of 2-1 and an impressive 2.51 ERA after joining the team from Tampa Bay on July 9. Across his career-high 71 appearances, he posted a 3-3 record to go along with a 3.66 ERA and was earning a salary of $6.25 million.

In addition to Maton, the Mets also revealed that left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea has decided against his $13.5 million option, making this his third consecutive offseason entering free agency. Manaea had signed a contract back in January that included a $14.5 million salary for the 2024 season. The 32-year-old left-hander finished the last season with a record of 12-6 and a 3.47 ERA over the course of 32 starts, amassing 184 strikeouts while walking 63 batters in 181 2/3 innings pitched.

During the season, Manaea adjusted his throwing mechanics by dropping his arm slot midyear, which helped him become the most effective starter for the Mets, achieving a 6-2 record with a 3.09 ERA following the change.