Red Sox Lose Matz to Rays on Two-Year Deal

The Boston Red Sox lost a key bullpen piece this offseason when veteran left-hander Steven Matz agreed to a two-year contract with American League East rival Tampa Bay Rays, pending a physical, according to reports from the Tampa Bay Times.

Matz, 34, joined the Red Sox at the July 31, 2025, trade deadline in exchange for infielder prospect Blaze Jordan from the St. Louis Cardinals. In his 21 relief appearances with Boston, he posted a 2.08 earned-run average over 21 2/3 innings, striking out 12 batters and earning one save. He also threw two scoreless innings during the Red Sox's American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees. Overall in 2025, Matz combined for a 3.05 ERA across 76 2/3 innings in 53 appearances, including two starts, split between the Cardinals and Red Sox. His performance marked a successful transition to a full-time relief role, following years primarily as a starter with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cardinals.

The departure of Matz leaves a gap in Boston's late-inning left-handed options, particularly to complement closer Aroldis Chapman. The Red Sox bullpen ranked second in the majors with a 3.41 ERA in 2025, going 36-29 in save...