As the New York Yankees gear up for the 2025 season, manager Aaron Boone has announced a surprising and intriguing addition to the team’s pitching staff. With spring training in full swing, the Yankees have signed a veteran left-handed pitcher to a minor league contract, a move that has raised plenty of eyebrows around the clubhouse and the fanbase.
The Yankees are no strangers to making bold moves, and this one could be a game-changer if the pitcher in question can rediscover his former glory. The signing, though not of a high-profile free agent, has significant potential due to the player’s past success in high-leverage situations. While he may not be a household name at the moment, this pitcher once played a pivotal role in one of the most memorable playoff runs in recent memory.
So, who is this player? The answer is none other than Tyler Matzek.
Boone’s excitement about Matzek’s potential was evident when he spoke to reporters, describing the lefty as a pitcher who could provide a serious boost to the bullpen if he regains his form. “Matzek looks a lot like the pitcher we saw with the Atlanta Braves a few years ago,” Boone shared. “That’s a good sign for us.”
Matzek, 34, has seen his fair share of ups and downs in his career. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2009, he initially made a splash in the big leagues with the Rockies before spending several years out of the majors. However, it was with the Atlanta Braves where Matzek truly found his stride. In 2020, he was a key figure in the Braves’ bullpen, posting a stellar 1.92 FIP and 43 strikeouts in just 29 innings. But it was in 2021 that Matzek truly made his mark, playing a crucial role in the Braves’ World Series championship. Over 69 relief appearances, he posted a 1.22 WHIP and a solid 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
Matzek’s performance earned him recognition as one of the most reliable arms in a bullpen that was pivotal to the Braves’ postseason success. In 2022, he continued to be effective with a 3.50 ERA in 42 appearances, but his career took a hit in 2023 when he had to undergo Tommy John surgery. After recovering, Matzek returned to the mound in 2024, though elbow inflammation sidelined him for a portion of the season.
Despite these setbacks, Matzek’s potential to be a key contributor remains. He has the pedigree, the experience, and the track record to make an impact if he can stay healthy. Boone and the Yankees coaching staff are optimistic that Matzek can return to his 2021 form, making this a signing to watch closely as the spring unfolds.
However, Matzek is not yet on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, and his path to earning a spot on the major league team will depend on his performance throughout spring training. With the Yankees already having bolstered their bullpen with the addition of closer Devin Williams and retaining reliable arms like Luke Weaver and Tim Hill, Matzek will need to prove himself during exhibition play. Still, the potential for Matzek to provide a late-game presence in critical situations could be exactly what the Yankees need to bolster their postseason hopes.
“Tyler has shown that he can come through in big moments,” Boone said. “If he’s healthy and sharp, he could be a real asset for us as we push toward another deep playoff run.”
As the Yankees continue their preparations for the 2025 season, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Matzek can reclaim the form that helped the Braves reach the pinnacle of baseball just a few seasons ago. It may be a minor move on paper, but if Matzek returns to his old self, it could prove to be one of the most impactful signings of the spring.
