With the 8 p.m. ET deadline approaching to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players, the Atlanta Braves have already gotten one out of the way.
Today, it was announced that the Braves and left-hander Tyler Matzek agreed upon a two-year, $3.1 million contract to avoid arbitration.
The left-hander also has a $5.5 million club option for the 2025 season.
Matzek is out for all of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow back in October.
The 32-year-old was key piece in the Braves bullpen during their run to the World Series in 2021.
In 42 games this season, the veteran lefty posted a 4-2 record and an ERA of 3.50.
The Braves released the news on Twitter.
Braves, Matzek Agree To Terms
Matzek also agreed to donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation, a foundation which seeks to build community through baseball in the Atlanta area, reaching vulnerable populations, and improving equity and access in sport, health, education, and well-being outcomes for children, families, and communities.
The 32-year-old was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2009 and made his debut with the team in 2014.
The lefty joined the Braves in 2020.
Since joining the team, Matzek owns a 2.92 ERA.
He has also performed exceptionally well in the postseason.
He appeared in 13 games in the 2021 postseason and struck out 24 batters, which is the third most by a reliever in a single postseason.
So now, the Braves have checked one item off their to-do list for the winter.
Matzek isn’t going anywhere until at least 2025.
The Braves will now look to try and retain Dansby Swanson.
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