2021 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #14 SS Nick Maton

Nick Maton, image-Jay Floyd

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Drafted in the 7th round out of Lincoln Land Community College in 2017, shortstop Nick Maton has proven to be among the Phillies most promising prospects.

The Illinois native was previously drafted out of high school as well, but chose not to sign. After signing with the Phillies, he got his pro career underway with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters in 2017. In 58 games there, Maton sported a .252 batting average with nine doubles, a triple, two homers, 13 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

The following season in 2018, Maton had a productive season with Class A Lakewood. He tallied a .256 average with eight home runs, 51 RBI and five steals in 114 contests and was nominated as a South Atlantic League All-Star.

In 2019, Maton opened his regular season campaign with Class A Advanced Clearwater where he was honored as a mid-season All-Star. In 93 games he sported a .276 batting average with five home runs, 45 RBI and 11 stolen bases. He was promoted to Double-A Reading in August. With the Fightin Phils, the six-foot-two 178-pounder batted .210 with two homers and six RBI through 21 games.

He was part of the Phillies' group that participated in the Arizona Fall League following that season. the experience was advantageous to the up-and-comer despite only appearing in three games for the Scorpions. He was 4-for-12 with a double and a home run during his playing time there as a second baseman.

The 24-year-old was a member of the Phillies' taxi squad last year once the minor league season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Nick is the younger brother of Cleveland relief pitcher Phil Maton and the older brother of college pitcher Jacob Maton. Nick and his brothers check in one each other regularly, whether things are going good or bad, and offer support in order to help each brother achieve all that he can.

Touting great bat speed, Maton projects as an excellent hitting prospect. He's got a solid handle of the strike zone, as the Illinois native draws walks very well and does not strike out a ton.

Defensively, Maton has become more versatile in the past couple seasons, spending time at second base and third base, while remaining primarily a shortstop. He boasts very good hands and a solid throwing arm.

Speed wise, Maton won't be the fastest guy on a roster, but he is a smart runner, will be a reliable first-to-third guy and may continue to be a stolen base threat as he moves up.

With a calm, poised approach, Maton is always focused on learning the game, doing his work and making improvements on the diamond.

The ceiling for Maton could be as an every day contributor in the big leagues. Look for him to possibly open the season back at the Double-A level with a move to Triple-A likely as he shows he's mastered things with Reading.

You can keep tabs on this year's Phillies prospects countdown by clicking on this link.

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