What Happened to Steven Jakob Matz?
Steven Matz is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. After beginning his career as a highly touted starter with the New York Mets, he transitioned through various teams and roles, including a successful stint as a reliever, before re-establishing himself as a starter with the Rays in 2026. He recently returned from a brief injured list stint due to elbow inflammation in May 2026.
Quick Answer
Steven Matz is currently a left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, having signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the team in December 2025. He began the 2026 season in the Rays' rotation, posting a 3.86 ERA through seven starts before being placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation on May 5, 2026. Matz was activated from the injured list on May 20, 2026, and made his return start against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching four innings.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Drafted by New York Mets
Steven Matz was selected by the New York Mets in the second round (72nd overall) of the MLB draft directly out of high school.
MLB Debut with New York Mets
Matz made his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut with the New York Mets, famously breaking several hitting records in his first start.
Postseason Appearances with Mets
Matz played in three postseason games, including Game 4 of the World Series, as the Mets made a run to the championship.
Traded to Toronto Blue Jays
The New York Mets traded Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays for three right-handed pitchers: Josh Winckowski, Sean Reid-Foley, and Yennsy Diaz.
Signs with St. Louis Cardinals
After a bounce-back year with the Blue Jays, Matz signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals as a free agent.
Injuries and Role Transition with Cardinals
During his initial years with the Cardinals, Matz battled injuries and saw his role fluctuate, making 34 starts in 52 appearances across three seasons.
Traded to Boston Red Sox
The St. Louis Cardinals traded Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox for first baseman Blaze Jordan at the trade deadline.
Signs with Tampa Bay Rays
Matz finalized a two-year, $15 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, with the intention of returning to a starting pitcher role.
Starts against former team Cardinals
Matz started against his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, at Busch Stadium, marking a significant moment in his return to a starting role.
Placed on 15-day Injured List
The Tampa Bay Rays placed Steven Matz on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 4, due to left elbow inflammation. He had a 3.86 ERA through seven starts.
Activated from IL and Returns to Start
Matz was activated from the 15-day injured list and started for the Rays against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching four innings in his return.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Steven Matz's journey in Major League Baseball has been marked by high expectations, significant injuries, and a notable evolution in his pitching role. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft, his professional debut was delayed by Tommy John surgery. He eventually made his highly anticipated MLB debut on June 28, 2015, showcasing his potential as part of the Mets' 'Fab Four' young pitching rotation.
After six seasons with the Mets, Matz signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in November 2021. His tenure with the Cardinals was affected by injuries, limiting his appearances and leading to a gradual shift from a primary starter to a more versatile role, including stints in the bullpen.
A key turning point came in 2025 when Matz fully embraced a bullpen role, splitting the season between the Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox after being traded at the deadline. He found considerable success as a multi-inning reliever, recording a 3.05 ERA in a career-high 53 appearances that year.
Despite his success in relief, Matz expressed a desire to return to a starting role, which led him to sign a two-year, $15 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in December 2025. The Rays, known for their innovative pitching strategies, offered him the opportunity to rejoin a rotation. He started the 2026 season strong, making seven starts with a 3.86 ERA.
However, Matz's career has frequently been interrupted by injuries. On May 5, 2026, he was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, retroactive to May 4, after a strong six-inning, one-run outing against the Giants. He made a quick return, being activated on May 20, 2026, to start against the Baltimore Orioles, where he pitched four innings, indicating a cautious return to full workload. As of May 27, 2026, Matz is active with the Tampa Bay Rays, contributing to their rotation, potentially in a tandem pitching arrangement.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Steven Jakob Matz made different choices?