Steven Matz Close to Contract with Rays
- An analysis of the left-handed pitcher's improved performance, focusing on his pitch arsenal and key statistical improvements.
- Left-handed pitcher Steve Matz relies on a four-pitch mix, with his sinker as his primary offering.
- His changeup, noted for its elite vertical drop, also yielded positive outcomes.
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Steve Matz’s 2025 Performance: A Deep Dive
Table of Contents
An analysis of the left-handed pitcher’s improved performance, focusing on his pitch arsenal and key statistical improvements.
Pitching Arsenal and Usage
Left-handed pitcher Steve Matz relies on a four-pitch mix, with his sinker as his primary offering. In 2025, he threw the sinker 58.4% of the time, placing him among the top 10 qualifying pitchers in that category. While the sinker is his go-to pitch, Matz’s most effective pitch, based on results, was his curveball, which held opposing batters to a .197 batting average.
His changeup, noted for its elite vertical drop, also yielded positive outcomes. Matz also features a slider, though it saw limited use in 2025, appearing only 18 times throughout the season.
| Pitch type | Percentage of Pitches (2025) | batting Average Against (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sinker | 58.4% | N/A |
| Curveball | N/A | .197 |
| Changeup | N/A | N/A |
| Slider | Limited (18 times) | N/A |
Improved Performance and Key Statistics
Matz demonstrated significant improvement in 2025 compared to his 2024 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted a 5.08 ERA in 44 1/3 innings. This improvement was driven by a reduction in fly balls allowed and a greater ability to induce pulled contact from hitters.
A key factor in his success was a dramatic decrease in his walk rate. Matz reduced his 7.9% walk rate from 2024 to just 3.6% in 76 2/3 innings pitched in 2025, ranking fourth among all Major League Baseball pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. While his strikeout rate hasn’t been above average as 2022, he continues to effectively limit opponents and get outs.