The New York Yankees have signed a left-handed relief pitcher to a Minor League contract, with an invitation to Spring Training. This move adds depth to their bullpen ahead of the new season, and the pitcher will now compete for a spot on the team. The signing is a low-risk deal, as the player will not be added to the 40-man roster immediately and must prove himself during Spring Training.
The pitcher has a solid track record in the Major Leagues, with over 285 innings pitched and a respectable ERA of 3.72. He made a name for himself with a team where he transitioned into a bullpen role, becoming an impactful arm in high-leverage situations. He’s had several dominant seasons, including one particularly memorable year when he posted an impressive ERA across a significant number of appearances.
In the postseason, the player became well-known for his clutch performances, earning the nickname “Nutsack” for his ability to step up in the most critical moments. His postseason numbers speak for themselves, with a 1.48 ERA and 1.45 FIP across 20 appearances, cementing his reputation as a reliable and effective pitcher when it mattered most.
The player in question is Tyler Matzek, a former standout with the Atlanta Braves. Matzek’s career has been impacted by injuries over the past few seasons, with 2024 being a particularly difficult year. He posted a 9.90 ERA in just 11 appearances and was traded to the San Francisco Giants while recovering from injuries. He did not pitch in the Major Leagues after the trade, but his potential remains intriguing for the Yankees.
Despite his recent struggles, Matzek still possesses a fastball with impressive vertical movement, which could regain its former effectiveness if he’s able to recover some lost velocity. Additionally, his slider has been a key weapon in his arsenal, with excellent two-plane movement and a heavy drop. The Yankees may also work to reintegrate his cutter, a pitch that showed promise in previous seasons but has been rarely used in recent years.
This signing offers minimal risk to the Yankees, as Matzek will not impact their 40-man roster or payroll unless he earns a spot on the team. Over the past week, the Yankees have added three left-handed pitchers to their bullpen, including a reunion with Tim Hill, bolstering their pitching depth. With the infield still a question mark, the signing of Matzek does not limit the Yankees’ flexibility in making further moves as they evaluate their roster for the 2025 season.
