10:17pm: The sides are in agreement on what is believed to be a multi-year deal, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
10:04pm: The Rays are closing in on a deal with free agent left-hander Steven Matz, reports Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. The deal is still pending a physical.
Matz spent the 2025 season working out of the bullpen. The 11-year big league veteran split the season between the Cardinals and Red Sox. He combined for 76 2/3 innings of 3.05 ERA ball. Matz has a long background as a starter and worked in a swing role with St. Louis as recently as 2024. He could compete for a rotation spot or work multiple innings out of Kevin Cash’s bullpen.
More to come.
I’m surprised Boston didn’t want him back.
This changes everything…
{rips up contest print-out}
So I wont lie, these are the kinda moves the Rays make that you kinda just shrug off and be liike “Okay this guy is cooked, they can’t really get anything outta him, right?” And then he goes and has some sort of wild crazy resurgent year and you’re left saying “What the french, toast?” I personally wont be shocked when it happens.
Yes they were so good last year. Old narrative that needs to die.
The Rays have won exactly how many world championships?
scruff, what did you do to get salty and saltier so upset?
Brother, I have no idea lol. But to be fair, the Rays have been a bit of a disappointment the last couple of years. They are still in my opinion, an organization extremely good (maybe even the best) at taking minimal talent and maximizing a return, mainly because of their scouting department since they operate a very tight payroll. It just hasn’t worked out for them in recent seasons. Not saying they’re going to be the best team in the AL next year but would it surprise folks if they made some really savvy moves that got them into the playoffs? Alls I’m saying is, it wouldn’t surprise me if this was one of those moves.
I am so mad at your observation. Prepare yourself for my needlessly aggressive comment!
That’s pre-covid Rays. Post-covid Rays .. ehhh not so much
They had a bad year last year and they have zero championships. They’re still one of the best run organizations in baseball.
Below .500 last two seasons.