Rays Sign Lefty Steven Matz to $15 Million 2-Year Deal, Bolstering Bullpen
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Tampa Bay has landed a key piece for its pitching staff, as left-hander Steven Matz finalized a two-year contract worth $15 million with the Rays. The 34-year-old Matz will be paid $7.5 million annually, with a potential $500,000 bonus if he's traded. Matz, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox last season, boasts a strong track record. He went 6-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 53 appearances, striking out 59 and walking just 11 in 76.2 innings. The lefty was particularly effective in St. Louis, where he recorded a 3.44 ERA in 32 outings, including two starts. A career highlight for Matz was his ability to limit walks, as he issued just 3.6% of the batters he faced last season. Throughout his 246-game career, Matz has compiled a 60-62 record with a 4.19 ERA, making appearances for the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Red Sox. To make room for Matz on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated outfielder Tristan Peters for assignment. Peters, 25, had a brief stint with Tampa Bay last season, going 0 for 12 in four games. He showed promise in the minors, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 11 bases with Triple-A Durham.
