Rays & Matz: 2-Year Deal Reportedly Close

Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Steven Matz (41) pitches against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning of game two of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing a two-year contract with free agent left-handed pitcher Steven Matz, multiple media outlets reported.

The club has not yet confirmed the agreement, which is pending a physical examination.

Matz, who turns 35 in May, posted a 5-2 record with two saves and a 3.05 ERA in 53 games (two starts) last season, split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. He had a 3.44 ERA in 32 outings with St. Louis before being traded on July 31 to the Red Sox, with whom he had a 2.08 ERA in 21 appearances.

Matz was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Mets and spent the first six seasons of his major league career in New York. After one season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Matz signed with the Cardinals ahead of the 2022 season.

In 246 career games (172 starts), Matz owns a 60-62 record with two saves and a 4.19 ERA.

–Field level media

Marcus Cole

Marcus Cole is a senior football analyst at Archysport with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, college football, and international football leagues. A former NCAA Division I player turned journalist, Marcus brings an insider's understanding of the game to every breakdown. His work focuses on tactical analysis, draft evaluations, and in-depth game previews. When he's not breaking down film, Marcus covers the intersection of football culture and the communities it shapes across America.

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