Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steven Matz

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Steven Matz made an impact.

Steven Matz is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB. Drafted by the New York Mets out of Ward Melville High School in 2009, Matz has also played for the Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He was born and raised on Long Island.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Drew Attention From Scouts

In 2008, Steven Matz first drew attention from New York Mets scouts during a baseball showcase tournament.

April 16, 2009: Notable High School Game

On April 16, 2009, Matz pitched in a notable high school game against Marcus Stroman, attended by over 50 MLB scouts.

2009: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 2009, Matz was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB draft.

2012: Professional Debut

In 2012, Steven Matz made his professional debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

November 20, 2013: Added to 40-man Roster

On November 20, 2013, the Mets added Steven Matz to their 40-man roster.

2014: Scouting Report on Pitching Mechanics

In 2014, a scouting report praised Matz's pitching mechanics, noting his smooth movements, strong front side pitching, quick arm movements, and good repetition. The report highlighted that if his change-up developed, he would have three pitches to use at any time, with his fastball being well-positioned on the outer half of the strike zone and his curveball having a tight, sharp break.

June 28, 2015: MLB Debut

On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz debuted against the Cincinnati Reds, recording three hits and four RBIs.

2015: Postseason Games

In 2015, Matz played in three postseason games, including Game 4 of the World Series.

2015: Played for Las Vegas 51s

In 2015, Steven Matz played for the Las Vegas 51s, achieving the best ERA in the Pacific Coast League.

2015: Called Up To New York Mets

In 2015, Steven Matz was called up to the New York Mets.

2015: Charity Excursion to Honduras

In late 2015, Steven Matz and Taylor Cain traveled to Honduras to assist impoverished children through the Hearts 2 Honduras foundation.

April 2016: Tru 32 Charity Initiative Launch

In April 2016, Steven Matz initiated the Tru 32 charity, honoring first responders from the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police Department, and U.S. Military by inviting them to Mets games for free.

2016: First Winning Record Since 2016

In 2016, Matz finished with an 11-10 record, his first winning record since 2016.

2016: Led Rookie Pitchers

In 2016, Matz led all rookie pitchers in wins, ERA, and strikeouts through May.

2016: Made Mets' Opening Day Roster

In 2016, Steven Matz made the Mets' opening day roster and was named National League Rookie of the Month for May.

June 28, 2017: First Win Since June 28, 2017

On June 28, 2017, Steven Matz notched a victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was his first recorded win since June 28, 2017, which ended a streak of seven consecutive losses and 11 starts with either a loss or no-decision.

July 3, 2017: First Start With No Runs Since July 3, 2017

Steven Matz allowed no runs in a 5–0 win against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 24, his first start with no runs since July 3, 2017.

2017: Man of the Year Award Nomination

In 2017, Steven Matz was nominated for the Major League Baseball Players Association's Man of the Year Award and was the New York Mets' Marvin Miller Man of the Year nominee due to his charitable efforts.

May 2018: Participation in Viscardi Center's Celebrity Sports Night

In May 2018, Steven Matz participated in The Viscardi Center's Celebrity Sports Night to raise funds for the organization that provides schools and training for children and adults with severe physical disabilities.

September 13, 2018: First Career Home Run

On September 13, 2018, Steven Matz hit his first career home run against the Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcántara. It was the first home run by a Mets pitcher in 2018.

2018: First 30-Start Season

In 2018, Matz played his first 30-start season, recording a 5-11 record with a 3.97 ERA.

January 11, 2019: One-Year Contract with Mets

On January 11, 2019, Steven Matz and the Mets agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.625 million, avoiding salary arbitration and raising Matz's salary more than four times his previous season.

2019: Pitching Position Adjustment

During the 2019 season, Matz adjusted his pitching position, moving from the first base side of the mound to the middle, resulting in improved comfort and performance.

2019: First Winning Record Since 2016

In 2019, Matz finished with an 11-10 record, his first winning record since 2016.

2019: Pitching Repertoire Changes

In 2019, Steven Matz primarily used a sinking fastball averaging 94 mph and a changeup averaging 85 mph, while also incorporating a curveball at 79 mph and a slider at 90 mph.