Steven Matz Nears New Chapter with the Rays
So there’s a pretty interesting development happening around veteran left-hander Steven Matz, and it’s been picking up steam across multiple reports. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays are close to finalizing a deal with Matz — a move that’s reportedly just waiting on a physical and may end up being a two-year contract. The team hasn’t officially confirmed anything yet, but the buzz is strong enough that it feels like the finish line is in sight.
What makes this especially notable is how impressive Matz’s 2025 season turned out to be. It was his first full year as a primary reliever, and honestly, it could not have gone much better. He posted a 3.05 ERA — his best in a decade, going all the way back to his breakout debut with the 2015 Mets. And when he was traded midseason from the Cardinals to the Red Sox, he actually got even better. With St. Louis, he had already been respectable, putting up a 3.44 ERA over 32 outings. But once he arrived in Boston, he really locked in, delivering a sharp 2.08 ERA in 21 appearances to close out the regular season.
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It’s been a gradual shift for Matz, transitioning from full-time starter to nearly full-time bullpen arm. Before joining the Cardinals, he had started 136 of his first 141 career games. But over the past few years, he’s steadily moved to a relief role — first mixing starts and bullpen work, then in 2025 starting only twice out of 53 appearances. That shift unlocked something, because he really seemed to settle into the shorter bursts of work.
A big part of his success came from refining his pitch mix. His sinker became the star of the show — he threw it nearly 60% of the time in 2025, ranking among the heaviest sinker users in baseball. His curveball was particularly effective too, holding hitters to a .197 average, and his changeup remained a solid complementary pitch thanks to its strong vertical drop. The slider barely made an appearance, but he didn’t need it much.
One of the most impressive improvements was his command. After struggling with a 7.9% walk rate in 2024, he slashed that number by more than half, walking only 11 batters in almost 77 innings. That 3.6% walk rate ranked among the very best in the league. His strikeout numbers weren’t flashy, but he kept the ball on the ground, limited damage, and avoided free passes — a combination the Rays absolutely love.
And speaking of the Rays, they have a long history of identifying pitchers whose skill sets they can maximize. Matz looks like one of those perfect fits — a veteran lefty with movement, command, and a sinker-heavy approach that plays right into their philosophy. If this deal becomes official, he could be stepping into meaningful, possibly high-leverage innings for Tampa Bay in 2026.
For Boston, it’s a loss they’ll feel, especially inside the division. But for Matz, this looks like the next smart chapter in a long and evolving career.
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