BREAKING: Left-handed pitcher Steven Matz has reached a two-year contract agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays, pending a physical examination, according to sources who spoke to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Monday night. This deal marks a significant move for the Rays as they bolster their pitching lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
Matz, who is 34 years old, concluded the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, following a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals just before the MLB trade deadline. His performance this past season showcased his versatility, with a majority of his 53 appearances coming out of the bullpen—specifically, 51 appearances in relief and just two starts for the Cardinals.
Throughout the season, Matz posted an impressive 3.05 ERA over 76 2/3 innings, striking out 59 batters while limiting left-handed hitters to a mere .211 batting average. This effectiveness is expected to enhance the Rays’ pitching depth as they aim for a competitive edge in the league.
Before his tenure with the Red Sox, Matz spent his early career with the New York Mets, primarily as a starting pitcher. He later played for the Toronto Blue Jays before signing as a free agent with St. Louis in 2021, where he had his career-best season, achieving 14 wins—the second highest in the American League that year.
The Tampa Bay Times was the first to report Matz’s agreement, emphasizing the urgency and potential impact of this addition to the team. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Matz’s experience and skill will contribute to the Rays’ strategy moving forward.
As the MLB offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Rays and Matz’s physical evaluation, with fans hoping for a swift confirmation of the deal. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!