The New York Yankees have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season by signing veteran left-hander Tyler Matzek to a minor league deal. This agreement includes an invitation to spring training, providing Matzek with an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the big league roster.
Sources close to the deal confirmed to ESPN on Monday night that the Yankees had reached an agreement with Matzek, adding another experienced left-handed arm to their bullpen mix. This move comes shortly after the team officially re-signed Tim Hill over the weekend, further solidifying their pitching depth.
At 34 years old, Matzek brings a wealth of experience to the table, having been a top-tier reliever for the Atlanta Braves over the past three seasons. He played a crucial role in the Braves' 2021 World Series victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.
Despite his recent success, injuries have plagued Matzek in the last couple of years, limiting him to just 11 appearances. He missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2022, followed by a brief return in 2024 where he struggled with a 9.90 ERA in 10 innings before being sidelined once again.
In a surprising turn of events, Matzek was traded by the Braves to the San Francisco Giants in July as part of a deal to acquire outfielder Jorge Soler. However, he was subsequently released by the Giants and later re-signed by the Braves on a minor league deal, showing resilience and determination throughout his tumultuous journey.
Prior to his injury setbacks, Matzek overcame a challenging period with the Colorado Rockies, where he battled the yips and even spent time in independent league baseball. However, he managed to stage a remarkable comeback, posting a stellar 2.92 ERA in 132 games with the Braves from 2020 to 2022, establishing himself as a reliable bullpen asset.
While Tim Hill, another left-handed reliever, brings a different skill set to the table as a ground ball specialist, Matzek is known for his ability to miss bats at a high rate, boasting a formidable 27.4% strikeout rate during his productive stretch from 2020 to 2022. With a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, Matzek has the potential to be a valuable weapon out of the bullpen if he can stay healthy and regain his form.
Currently, Hill is the only left-handed reliever on the Yankees' 40-man roster, with Brandon Leibrandt and Jayvien Sandridge set to report to spring training as non-roster invitees. Matzek's addition adds depth and competition to the bullpen mix, giving the Yankees more flexibility and options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Yankees' signing of Tyler Matzek underscores their commitment to strengthening their pitching staff and addressing areas of need. By bringing in a seasoned veteran with a proven track record of success, the Yankees are hoping that Matzek can regain his form and contribute effectively in high-leverage situations. As the team gears up for the start of spring training, all eyes will be on Matzek as he looks to make his mark and earn a spot in the Yankees' bullpen for the 2025 season.
