When the Boston Red Sox acquired Steven Matz at the trade deadline, it wasn't the big breaking move that fans were hoping for. The bullpen had been great all year, and the true need was in the starting rotation. The veteran became yet another lefty in the 'pen for the Red Sox, and for most, the move didn't move the needle.
The 34-year-old was solid in Boston, though. In 21 appearances, he posted a 2.08 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, and had a 6.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Formerly a starter, the Cardinals moved Matz to the bullpen this season for the first time in his career in a full-time capacity. It seemed to work for him as he had a 3.05 ERA for the whole season.
Matz is set to hit free agency for the second time in his career. While he could look to be a starter for someone again, it's more likely he will be a bullpen arm if he wants the guarantee of being in the majors next season. After his performances down the stretch in Boston, the southpaw likely will have multiple suitors, but the Red Sox should be at the top of that list.
Steven Matz can fit multiple needed roles for the 2026 Red Sox
EXCLUSIVE: Steven Matz waited 10 years between playoff outings. A promising prospect w/ #Mets in '15 turned reliever w/ #RedSox last night.
— Joe Pantorno (@JoePantorno) October 3, 2025
"Sometimes you feel like you’re just hanging on by a thread... to be here 10 years later, it’s pretty awesome.”https://t.co/FetCm1uGdg
Matz fit nicely in Boston. He was one of the many arms that helped the Sox to the AL's best bullpen ERA this season. Craig Breslow will be looking to replicate that performance again next year, and with most of last year's bullpen under team control for next season, it feels right to bring Matz back as well.
Matz could fit right back into the role he played last season as the third lefty in the pen. Justin Wilson is also a free agent, and after the way he slowed down the stretch (12.46 ERA over his final six appearances), it feels likely the Sox won't bring back the 38-year-old. Breslow can look to upgrade on that spot, while bringing back Matz in the role he already had.
As a former starter, Matz can also fill two roles in the bullpen. The first is as a multi-inning reliever. That role is key in any bullpen. That doesn't mean he's the mop-up guy, but someone who can reliably go more than one inning in the middle of the game. He did that three times for the Sox, who had multiple relievers they trusted to do that this season.
The other role is as an opener. Brennan Bernardino has filled that role on the few occasions they've needed it, but Bernie was optioned when they acquired Matz. That instantly showed the team's affinity for Matz in their bullpen. Being a former starter, Matz would be able to be ready for the start of a game, but also could pitch more than the obligatory three batters.
At this point in his career, keeping Matz around shouldn't cost much. Spotrac.com places his market value at $3.5 million for a one-year contract. It wouldn't be a flashy move, but it feels like a no-brainer for Boston to bring him back after seeing how well he pitched there last season. Let's hope Breslow feels the same.