Steven Matz. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rays add depth to rotation by signing veteran lefty Steven Matz

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 8:45 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays have been an average organization for the past two seasons, finishing 80-82 in 2024 and 77-85 in 2025.

Not having a roster good enough to compete with the likes of the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, the Rays are relying on “bounce-back” talent to help get them over the hump. Their recent signing of outfielder Cedric Mullins indicated this strategy, as Mullins was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2021 and has bounce-back potential.

After solidifying their outfield with a top defender, the Rays have now added depth to their rotation, with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reporting that they have agreed with former St. Louis Cardinals and Red Sox left-hander Steven Matz to a two-year contract.

Matz, 34, is a starter by trade, but predominantly worked out of the bullpen in 2025 for the Cardinals and Red Sox, going 5-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 53 appearances (two starts), while recording two saves and striking out 59 batters in 76.2 innings.

#Rays and Matz are in agreement on the 2-year deal. https://t.co/usILsPT8n9
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 9, 2025

The Rays' adding Steven Matz adds insurance to their rotation for Shane McClanahan

Having a middle-of-the-pack rotation last season (15th in ERA, 4.03), the Rays were due to add more depth to their starting staff after trading away right-handers Taj Bradley (Minnesota Twins) and Zack Littell (Cincinnati Reds) at the trade deadline.

The Rays have the potential to be a leader in starting pitching, with two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan as their ace, but he has failed to stay healthy in his short three-year career. In the last two seasons, McClanahan has undergone Tommy John surgery (2023) and had a left triceps nerve issue heading into 2025. McClanahan has not pitched in Major League Baseball for two years.

With the emergence of right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who went 11-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts (career high) and threw a career-high 167.2 innings, adding Matz to slide into the rotation gives the Rays insurance in case McClanahan gets hurt again.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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