STEVEN MATZ, LHP
Player Data: Age: 25, Bats: Right, Throws: Left, Free Agency: 2022
2016 Primary Stats: 9-8, 3.40 ERA, 22 GS, 132.1 IP, 129 K, 31 BB, 1.209 WHIP
2016 Player Review:
An eligible rookie heading into the 2016 season, Steven Matz got off to a horrid start to say the least. His first start of the season lasted only 1.2 innings and he allowed seven earned runs on six hits. One scout believed that Matz needed more seasoning in the minor leagues. “He looks like a young guy who needs a month in Triple-A to clean up some things,” he told the New York Post.
After that game, his ERA was at a staggering 37.80. However, over his next eight starts, Matz was everything the Mets could hope for and he brought his ERA down to a phenomenal 2.28. It was safe to say that he was not a pitcher that needed to spend any more time in the minors.
His season did not go swimmingly though. There were several ups and downs, mostly due to the injuries that caused him to make only 22 starts. Matz was breathtaking during the month of May, as he recorded a 1.31 ERA to go with a 4-0 record during five starts. He was absolutely spectacular, but the next month, not so much. For the month of June, Matz struggled with a record of 0-2, an ERA of 5.74, and a 1.654 WHIP over five starts.
Matz would rebound with better numbers in July (3.19 ERA) and August (3.72 ERA) before the team decided to shut him down and have surgery to remove a significant bone spur from his left elbow. he’s expected to make a full recovery.
Grade: B-
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2017 Outlook:
Matz is a super-talented pitcher and I believe that we will see his dominance more consistently in 2017. Besides being very poised on the mound, Matz is a fierce competitor who will do whatever it takes to be at the top of his game. If Matz is healthy, the sky is still the limit for him.
