Steven Matz is gearing up for a fresh start—literally. In a move that’s sparking both hope and debate, the Tampa Bay Rays have signed the veteran lefty to a two-year, $15 million deal, giving him a shot to reclaim his spot in the starting rotation. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after spending most of the past season in the bullpen, Matz is determined to prove he’s still a starter at heart. Can he pull it off? And this is the part most people miss—his journey back to the rotation isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience.
The Rays’ president of baseball operations, Erik Neander, believes in Matz’s potential. In a recent interview with The Tampa Bay Times, Neander emphasized, ‘There’s a real desire on his end to want to start and give that a real shot again, despite his success last year out of the bullpen. We believe he has the ability to do it.’ But let’s not forget the hurdles: Matz’s career with the Cardinals was marred by injuries—shoulder impingement, knee sprain, lat strain, and back issues—that limited him to just 35 starts over three and a half seasons. Is this a risky gamble for the Rays, or a brilliant opportunity for a comeback?
Matz’s track record isn’t all cautionary tales. Earlier in his career, he consistently topped 150 innings per season from 2018 to 2021, posting league-average numbers. His command remains a strength, and his repertoire—a 94 MPH sinker, curveball, and changeup—hasn’t lost its edge. Interestingly, he’s fared better against left-handed batters, holding them to a .225/.280/.339 line compared to righties’ .276/.322/.446 over the past four seasons. Does this split make him a better fit for the bullpen, or can he overcome it as a starter?
At the moment, Matz is penciled in as the fifth starter behind Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Pepiot, Shane McClanahan, and Shane Baz. But here’s the twist: none of these spots are guaranteed. Rasmussen’s injury history, McClanahan’s two-year absence from the mound, and trade rumors surrounding Pepiot and Baz leave the rotation in flux. The Rays could still make moves, but if they don’t, Matz’s main competition will be second-year lefty Ian Seymour. Will Matz secure his spot, or will the Rays’ rotation plans shift yet again?
This isn’t just a story about a pitcher’s comeback—it’s a conversation about potential, perseverance, and the risks teams take to find value. Do you think Matz can reclaim his starting role, or is the bullpen where he truly belongs? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
