Rays Ink Veteran Left-Hander Steven Matz to Two-Year Contract
A pending physical is the only hurdle remaining as the Tampa Bay Rays reportedly reach an agreement with free agent left-hander Steven Matz on a two-year contract. First reported by Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, the signing addresses a need for pitching depth and versatility as the Rays navigate an uncertain rotation and bullpen landscape. The Rays will need to designate a player for assignment to make room for Matz on their full 40-man roster.
A Versatile Arm for a Contender
Matz, an 11-year Major League veteran, split the 2025 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, compiling 76 2/3 innings with a solid 3.05 ERA. While he has a history as a starting pitcher – including a swing role with the Cardinals as recently as 2024 – his recent experience is primarily out of the bullpen. This flexibility is particularly valuable to the Rays, who could utilize Matz as either a rotation option or a multi-inning reliever under manager Kevin Cash.
From High Expectations to Injury Struggles
The 34-year-old arrives in Tampa Bay after a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals didn’t pan out as hoped. Matz has faced significant challenges staying healthy, missing substantial time due to a shoulder impingement in 2022, a lat strain in 2023, and a lower back injury in 2024. Over the first three seasons of that contract, he managed just 197 1/3 innings, posting a 4.47 ERA with a 21.9% strikeout rate.
A Resurgent 2025 Season
Despite the injury history, Matz demonstrated encouraging signs in 2025. He posted a 3.44 ERA over his first 55 innings with the Cardinals, striking out 20.7% of batters faced. A mid-season trade sent him to Boston, where he continued to pitch effectively, maintaining a 2.08 ERA across 21 2/3 innings despite a slight dip in his strikeout rate. He excelled at limiting left-handed hitters, holding them to a .211/.242/.341 batting line in 129 plate appearances.
Control Specialist Adds Depth to Rays’ Bullpen
Matz’s skillset complements the existing Rays bullpen, which already features power lefties Garrett Cleavinger and Mason Montgomery. While Cleavinger is considered one of the best in the game, and Montgomery possesses significant potential, Matz offers a different profile as a control specialist. He averaged 94.5 MPH on his sinker and boasts a career-low 3.6% walk rate, a testament to his command.
Rotation Uncertainty Fuels Need for Depth
The Rays face some uncertainty in their starting rotation behind Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot. Shane McClanahan will be working on an innings limit following consecutive injury-shortened seasons, and Shane Baz’s inconsistency raises questions about his long-term role, potentially making him a trade candidate. Ian Seymour is currently favored for the fifth starter spot, but the team is expected to add at least one, if not two, veteran pitchers capable of eating innings. It remains to be seen whether the Rays will give Matz the opportunity to compete for a rotation spot, but his versatility makes him a valuable addition regardless.
