History of Steven Matz in Timeline
Steven Matz is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox in MLB. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2009 out of Ward Melville High School, he has also played for the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals. Matz was born and raised on Long Island.
1908: MLB Pitching Record
In 2019, Matz became one of only six pitchers since 1908 to face eight batters and retire none.
1914: First Pitcher Since 1914
On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz was the seventh pitcher since 1914 with three or more hits in his first game, as the New York Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-2.
1920: Fifth MLB Rookie Since 1920
In 2016, Steven Matz became the fifth MLB rookie since 1920 to allow two runs or fewer in every game over a span of seven consecutive starts.
1972: Tom Seaver's Home Run
In 1972, Tom Seaver homered in consecutive appearances, an event that Matz later matched in 2018.
1981: First Long Island HS Pitcher Since 1981
In 2015, Steven Matz was the first Long Island high school pitcher to make his MLB debut with the Mets since Ray Searage in 1981.
1989: Ron Darling's Home Run
In 1989, Ron Darling homered in consecutive appearances, an event that Matz later matched in 2018.
1990: First Mets Pitcher Since 1990
On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz became the first Mets pitcher since Dwight Gooden in 1990 to have four RBI in any game.
May 29, 1991: Steven Matz Born
On May 29, 1991, Steven Jakob Matz was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.
1997: Bobby Jones Incident
In 2019, Matz became the first Met since Bobby Jones in 1997 to allow at least eight runs in less than one inning.
2001: First Pitcher Since 2001
On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz became the first pitcher since Jason Jennings of the Colorado Rockies in 2001 to record three or more hits in his first game.
2008: Attention from Mets Scouts
In 2008, Steven Matz first drew attention from scouts in the New York Mets organization during a baseball showcase tournament.
April 16, 2009: Notable High School Game
On April 16, 2009, Steven Matz pitched against Marcus Stroman in a notable high school game attended by over 50 MLB scouts, leading his team to a 1-0 victory with 12 strikeouts and allowing only one hit.
2009: Drafted by the New York Mets
In 2009, Steven Matz was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB draft, with the 72nd overall pick. He signed with the Mets for a bonus of $895,000, foregoing his commitment to Coastal Carolina University.
May 18, 2010: Tommy John Surgery
On May 18, 2010, Steven Matz underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.
2011: Third Mets Player
In May 2016, Steven Matz was named National League Rookie of the Month, becoming only the third Mets player to receive that distinction, along with Justin Turner in 2011.
2012: Johan Santana's Maddux
In 2012, Johan Santana threw a Maddux for the Mets, a feat Matz matched on July 27, 2019, with his complete-game shutout.
2012: Professional Debut
In 2012, Steven Matz made his professional debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery and spent three years in the Mets' minor leagues.
2012: Professional Debut after Surgery
In 2012, Steven Matz made his professional debut with the Kingsport Mets after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
September 6, 2013: Southern Division-Clinching Game
On September 6, 2013, Steven Matz pitched seven shutout innings against the Augusta Greenjackets in a Southern Division-clinching game for the Savannah Sand Gnats.
November 20, 2013: Added to Mets 40-man Roster
On November 20, 2013, the Mets added Steven Matz to their 40-man roster to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
2014: Mets' Organizational Pitcher of the Year
In 2014, Steven Matz was named the Mets' Organizational Pitcher of the Year.
2014: All-Star and Eastern League Championship
In 2014, Steven Matz was named to the Florida State League All-Star team. He also pitched the game that clinched Binghamton the Eastern League championship, striking out 11 and allowing no hits through seven innings.
2014: Scouting Report
In 2014, a scouting report by Jeff Moore for Baseball Prospectus highlighted Steven Matz's potential, noting that if his change-up continued to develop, he'd have three offerings he could throw to any hitter at any time, along with his fastball and curveball. Moore also noted the velocity of Matz's fastball came with minimal effort and that he positioned it well on the outer half of the strike zone for right-handed hitters, and that his curveball had a tight and sharp break that would make left-handed hitters uncomfortable.
2014: Third Mets Player
In May 2016, Steven Matz was named National League Rookie of the Month, becoming only the third Mets player to receive that distinction, along with Jacob deGrom in 2014.
June 28, 2015: MLB Debut Against the Reds
On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz debuted against the Cincinnati Reds, earning the win while also recording three hits and four RBIs, setting multiple MLB records for a pitcher in his debut.
June 28, 2015: MLB Debut
On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz made his MLB debut, breaking several hitting records in his first start.
November 2015: Taylor Cain's Illness
In November 2015, Taylor Cain, Steven Matz's future wife, became seriously ill with potentially fatal kidney problems. She recovered, which her doctor called "a miracle."
2015: Rookie Status in 2016
Despite his experience with the Mets in 2015, Steven Matz was still considered a rookie player in 2016 due to the amount of time he missed the previous year.
2015: Best ERA in the Pacific Coast League
In 2015, Steven Matz had a 2.19 ERA with the Las Vegas 51s of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, which was the best ERA in the league.
2015: Called Up to the Mets
In 2015, Steven Matz was called up to the New York Mets to join a six-man pitching rotation.
2015: Postseason Games
In 2015, after an injury-shortened regular season, Steven Matz played in three postseason games, including Game 4 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals.
2015: Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town Award
In 2015, following the season, Steven Matz, along with Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard, were awarded the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town award by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
2015: Charity Excursion to Honduras
In late 2015, Steven Matz and Taylor Cain participated in a charity excursion through the foundation Hearts 2 Honduras, helping impoverished children in Honduras.
April 2016: Launch of Tru 32 Charity Initiative
In April 2016, Steven Matz started the charity initiative Tru 32, which honored first responders from the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police Department, and U.S. Military, inviting them to attend Mets games for free. The initiative was later expanded to offer scholarships for children of individuals who have died in the line of duty.
November 12, 2016: Engagement to Taylor Cain
On November 12, 2016, Steven Matz proposed to Taylor Cain at a friend's house in Yaphank, New York, on a dock overlooking a pond that he called one of his "favorite places on Long Island."
2016: Previous Winning Record
Before 2019, Matz's last winning record was in 2016.
2016: DeGrom's Surgery
In 2016, Jacob DeGrom underwent a surgical procedure to decompress and reposition the ulnar nerve, which was similar to the surgery Matz required in 2017.
2016: 2016 Season Summary
In 2016, Steven Matz finished the season with a 9–8 record, a 3.40 ERA, and 121 strikeouts. He was placed on the disabled list in August due to a left shoulder impingement and later had surgery in October to remove bone spurs, ending his season. He received one third-place vote for National League Rookie of the Year. The Mets made the playoffs but lost the National League Wild Card Game.
2016: Opening Day Roster and Rookie Status
In 2016, Steven Matz made the Mets' opening day roster as the fifth starter in the rotation and was still considered a rookie. He was named National League Rookie of the Month for May.
2016: Rookie Success and Injuries
In 2016, Steven Matz opened with a 7-1 record, leading all rookie pitchers in wins, ERA, and strikeouts through May. His season was later shortened due to injuries.
2016: First Winning Record Since 2016
In 2019, Steven Matz finished the season with an 11-10 record, marking his first winning record since 2016, despite struggling in later starts.
June 28, 2017: Scoreless Start on June 28, 2017
On June 28, 2017, Matz had a scoreless start, contributing to his strong performance in his first five starts of the season.
July 3, 2017: Scoreless Start on July 3, 2017
On July 3, 2017, Matz had a scoreless start, marking one of his strong performances early in the season.
December 9, 2017: Marriage to Taylor Cain
On December 9, 2017, Steven Matz married Taylor Cain in Nauvoo, Alabama. Jacob deGrom and Brandon Nimmo, fellow Mets players, were in his wedding party.
2017: 2017 Season Struggles and Surgery
Between July 9 and August 6, 2017, Matz struggled with a 0-4 record and an 11.03 ERA. In late August, doctors determined Matz had ulnar nerve irritation and required season-ending surgery. He pitched just 66+2⁄3 innings with a 2–7 record and a 6.08 ERA in 2017.
2017: 2017 Season Overview
In 2017, MLB marketed the Mets pitching rotation, including Matz, as the "Four Horsemen of Queens". Matz missed the first two months of the season due to elbow inflammation and made his first start on June 10. He pitched well in his first five starts, with back-to-back scoreless starts in late June and early July.
2017: Injury-Plagued Season
In 2017, Steven Matz battled injuries again, making just 13 starts and ending the season with surgery to address ulnar nerve irritation.
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 The 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 Albertson-based organization, which provides schools and training for children and adults with severe physical disabilities.
August 21, 2018: Improved Performance Since August 21, 2018
Leading into June of 2019, Matz had a 3.03 ERA and a .224 opponent average over his previous 17 starts since August 21, 2018.
September 1, 2018: No-Decision Streak Begins on September 1, 2018
Starting September 1, 2018, Matz began a franchise-record streak of eight consecutive no-decisions, contributing to a 12-start winless streak.
September 13, 2018: First Career Home Run on September 13, 2018
On September 13, 2018, Matz hit his first career home run against Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins.
2018: 2018 Season Summary
In 2018, Matz finished the season with a 5–11 record, a 3.97 ERA, and 152 strikeouts over 154 innings, marking a career high in innings pitched and starts with 30. He had the lowest line drive rate against and was second-fastest in pace among pitchers.
2018: First 30-Start Season
In 2018, Steven Matz played his first 30-start season, recording a 5-11 record, 3.97 ERA, and 1.25 WHIP.
January 11, 2019: Contract Agreement on January 11, 2019
On January 11, 2019, Matz and the Mets agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.625 million, avoiding salary arbitration.
2019: Pitching Position Adjustment
During the 2019 season, Steven Matz made a minor adjustment to his pitching position, moving from the first base side of the mound to the middle. This change provided greater comfort and improved his overall performance during the 2019 season.
2019: First Winning Record Since 2016
In 2019, Matz finished the season with an 11–10 record, marking his first winning record since 2016. He achieved career-highs in strikeouts (153) and innings pitched (160+1⁄3).
2019: 2019 Season Overview
In 2019, Matz had a mixed season with strong starts but also his worst game on April 16. He became one of only a few pitchers in MLB history to retire none of the batters he faced in a game.
2019: Best ERA and Charitable Efforts
In 2019, Steven Matz had the best ERA of any Mets starting pitcher through June and finished the season with his first winning record since 2016. He also started the charity initiative Tru 32.
2019: Pitching Style in 2019
In 2019, Steven Matz primarily relied on his sinking fastball, which averaged 94 miles per hour, and his changeup, which averaged 85 miles per hour, while also mixing in a curveball (79 miles per hour) and slider (90 miles per hour).
2020: Struggles in 2020 Season
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Matz regressed, going 0–5 with a 9.68 ERA. He was placed on the injured list in late August due to left shoulder discomfort.
January 27, 2021: Trade to the Toronto Blue Jays on January 27, 2021
On January 27, 2021, the Mets traded Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitchers Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Díaz, and Josh Winckowski.
July 24, 2021: First Game Against the Mets on July 24, 2021
On July 24, 2021, Matz faced the Mets for the first time since being traded, pitching 5+2⁄3 innings in a 3–0 loss.
November 29, 2021: Signed with the St. Louis Cardinals
On November 29, 2021, Steven Matz finalized a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.
2021: 2021 Season Performance
In 2021, Steven Matz achieved a 14–7 record with a 3.82 ERA and 144 strikeouts over 150+2⁄3 innings. His 14 wins were tied for second in the American League during the 2021 season.
August 2022: Birth of First Child
In August 2022, Steven Matz and Taylor Cain welcomed their first child, a daughter.
2022: 2022 Season with the Cardinals
During the 2022 season, Steven Matz made 15 appearances (10 starts) for the Cardinals, missing half of the year due to injuries. He compiled a 5.25 ERA with 54 strikeouts over 48 innings in 2022.
2023: 2023 Season with the Cardinals
In 2023, Steven Matz made 25 appearances (17 starts) for St. Louis, registering a 4–7 record and a 3.86 ERA with 98 strikeouts across 105 innings pitched.
May 3, 2024: Placed on Injured List
On May 3, 2024, Steven Matz was placed on the injured list due to a lower back strain.
October 2024: Expecting Another Child
In October 2024, Steven Matz and Taylor Cain are anticipating the arrival of another child.
March 30, 2025: First Career Save
On March 30, 2025, Steven Matz recorded his first career save in his first appearance of the season in the Cardinals bullpen.
July 31, 2025: Traded to the Boston Red Sox
On July 31, 2025, Steven Matz was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for first baseman Blaze Jordan.
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