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.