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Former MLB Pitcher Died Tuesday At Age 37

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 10:49 PM ET

There's some sad news making its way around the MLB world on Tuesday night.

According to a report from MASN's Roch Kubatko, former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs pitcher Brian Matusz passed away this morning. The No. 4 pick in the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego, Matusz was just 37 years old. He would have turned 38 on Feb. 11.

"Very sad to hear that former #orioles pitcher Brian Matusz passed away this morning. Was 37. 4th-overall pick in 2008 draft," said Kubatko on X/Twitter.

Matusz, a native of Grand Junction, Colorado who played high school baseball in Arizona, made his MLB debut on Aug. 4, 2009, a little over a year after getting drafted. Though he came up as a starter, the Orioles moved the lefthanded hurler to the bullpen after he struggled early in his career.

Matusz eventually settled into a role as an effective lefthanded reliever for Baltimore from 2013-15 before closing out his career with the Cubs in 2016.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: A general view of the of a Postseason hat is seen after the Baltimore Orioles clinched a 2023 MLB playoff berth after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Patrick Smith/Getty Images

"Just heard the news about Brian Matusz passing away this morning," said former Orioles first-round pick Matt Hobgood on X/Twitter. "This is awful…he was one of the first people to call me after I signed in 09’. Took the time to call, encourage me and wish me well in my career and it always meant a lot that he did that. RIP, my friend."

Overall, Matusz compiled a 27-41 record with a 4.92 ERA in 280 career MLB appearances (69 starts). He was a member of two Baltimore playoff teams in 2012 and 2014 and last pitched professionally in Mexico and with the Long Island Ducks in 2019.

While details on Matusz's passing are still scarce, tributes to the former pitcher are pouring in on social media. It's clear Matusz had a positive impact on many lives.

May he rest in peace, and may we offer condolences to those close to him during this difficult time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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