Baseball teams in Major League Baseball are trying to finalize their 2025 rosters as the start of spring training draws near. The front office is still scouting the free agency pool, but the Philadelphia Phillies appear set and prepared to start work in Clearwater, Florida.
Some free agency pitchers have been doing bullpen sessions to demonstrate their skills to prospective organizations, while many players are still seeking employment. Pitchers who have recently been showing off their skills have being monitored by the Phillies. According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, they had scouts present to see future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and, more recently, to witness a demonstration by former Atlanta Braves reliever Tyler Matzek.
According to Ragazzo, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers were all interested in the 34-year-old left-hander.
With his healthy bullpen display, former Braves reliever Tyler Matzek attracts the Phillies’ attention.
After having Tommy John surgery, Matzek, who had played with the Braves since 2020, missed the whole 2023 campaign. Last season, he only pitched 10 innings before being placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow irritation. He was eventually released after being transferred to the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline.
The Colorado Rockies’ former first-round selection has a career 3.72 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 272 strikeouts in 285 1/3 innings pitched.
He pitched 43 2/3 innings in 2022 with a 3.50 ERA, but he struggled with shoulder issues. Matzek recorded a 2.57 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 63 innings during his final season in good condition, which was 2021. With a 1.72 ERA and 0.89 WHIP while striking out 24 batters in 15 2/3 innings, he was a crucial part of the Braves bullpen throughout the postseason that year, helping Atlanta win the World Series.
The Phillies may think about adding another player to the bullpen depth now that Matzek is well. Since there are presently no other left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster, the front management may want to add another lefty option as a depth piece to balance things out with the three left-handers (Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Tanner Banks) scheduled for the season. Even on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, he probably wouldn’t cost much.
