Sources told Jeff Passan that Steven Matz, a key component to the BlueJays' resurgence in 2021, has agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cards.
Sources said that Matz could make up to $48 million in the deal.
In the American League East, Matz found his stride, and on a team with a deep starting rotation, he often stole the headlines in Toronto. He had a 14-7 record with a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts for the Blue Jays.
He finished the season with a 150.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio as Toronto was in danger of missing the playoffs. In his last start, Matz pitched seven strong frames, and was tabbed one of the team's "unsung heroes" by manager Charlie Montoyo. Toronto finished with a score of 91-71.
I think this team is so good. Matz told reporters in the last week of the season that they were close. I don't know if I've ever been on a team like that.
The Mets hoped to build a title team around many of their pitching prospects, including Matz. The Mets had a great season in 2015, with Matz going 4-0 in his first season, and New York winning the World Series against the Royals.
Matz was traded to Toronto on January 27 after a string of injuries and inconsistent years. In his last season with the Mets, Matz finished 0-5 with a 9.68 earned run average as he battled shoulder pain. His two best seasons in New York were in 2016 and 2019.
The Mets shipped the veteran and his $5.2 million salary away in exchange for some minor-league pitching depth. The Mets received four right-handed pitchers. Matz was given a second chance.
Montoyo said that he was one of the "undercover heroes" in the season's final week. Nobody expected him to do that. He keeps us in the game by going five, six, and sometimes seven hours. He's been great. It's great, actually. Not good.
