Steven Matz, LHP

Player Data: Age: 28, B/T: R/L
Primary Stats: 32 games, 160.1 IP, 4.21 ERA, 1.341 WHIP, K/9 8.59
Advanced Stats: 96 ERA+, 4.60 FIP,  75.5  LOB%, 47.1 GB%, 4.33 xFIP, 1.6 fWAR

Free Agent: 2022
2019 Salary: $2.625 million

Grade: C

2019 Review

For the first time in his four year career, Steven Matz successfully made every one of his 30 starts without being hindered by injuries. Matz’s 2019 season had some very low points, such as giving up eight runs to their division rival Phillies without recording an out on April 16, as well as some very high points such as pitching his first complete game shutout versus the Pirates on July 27 at Citi Field. Needless to say, his year has had its ups and downs, but he was at least able to stay healthy.

Matz’s first half of the season was a bit rocky, pitching to a 4.89 ERA in 81 IP, striking out 78 batters in that span, though his second half boded well with a 3.52 ERA in 79 IP and 75 strikeouts. Matz’s first half ERA is mostly due to his 7.36 ERA in June across 29.1 innings pitched, giving up 26 earned runs in that month alone.

After those five difficult starts in June, he was sentenced to bullpen duty until the All-Star break. The lefty made three bullpen appearances giving up two runs. However, after completing his bullpen stint, he made three more starts in July and pitched 19 innings of four-run baseball. His success even translated to August, posting 3.21 ERA in his six starts, giving up two runs or fewer in five out of those six starts.

A big reason for his better second half was the success of his curveball, as hitters went from a .559 slugging percentage in the first half to a .186 slugging percentage in the second half. He was throwing a slower curve (79.4 MPH in first half down to 78.0 MPH in second half) that was also getting more horizontal movement.

2019 Key Moment

Matz threw his first complete game shutout of his career at home. This was a night like no other; I remember it perfectly because I was at the game. He allowed only five hits and walked nobody on July 27 against the Pirates. He struck out seven and needed only 99 pitches to finish off the complete game.

2020 Outlook

As I would say for every player on this Mets team, consistency is key.

There was a few times during the 2019 season where Matz was on a roll and then had one really bad outing before going back to solid performances. For example, he had seven consecutive quality starts from early August until the beginning of September, but then had an outing where he gave up seven earned runs in four innings. His newfound confidence in his curveball could lead to more consistency in 2020.

One positive to take away from Matz’s 2019 was that he seemed to remain calm while under pressure in the second half, something he has struggled with during his pro career.

Matz looks like he be part of a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and someone to replace Zack Wheeler.