With spring training fast approaching, Major League Baseball teams are making final roster adjustments for the 2025 season. While the Philadelphia Phillies appear ready to begin preparations in Clearwater, Florida, the front office is still exploring free-agent options.
Several unsigned pitchers have recently held bullpen sessions to showcase their skills, and the Phillies have been monitoring these workouts. According to Sports Illustrated’s Pat Ragazzo, Philadelphia had scouts in attendance for Max Scherzer’s session and recently evaluated former Atlanta Braves reliever Tyler Matzek. The New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers have also shown interest in Matzek.
Former Braves Reliever Tyler Matzek on the Phillies’ Radar
Matzek, a key bullpen arm for the Braves from 2020 onward, missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His 2024 campaign was limited to just 10 innings before an elbow issue landed him on the 60-day injured list. Traded to the San Francisco Giants at the deadline, Matzek was later released.
A former first-round pick of the Colorado Rockies, Matzek has a career 3.72 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 272 strikeouts over 285 1/3 innings. In 2022, he posted a 3.50 ERA in 43 2/3 innings despite dealing with shoulder problems. His last fully healthy season came in 2021 when he recorded a 2.57 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, striking out 77 batters in 63 innings. He was a crucial part of Atlanta’s bullpen during their World Series run, logging a 1.72 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 24 strikeouts in 15 2/3 postseason innings.
Now that Matzek is back to full health, the Phillies may see him as a depth option for their bullpen. While they already have three left-handers—Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Tanner Banks—on the roster, adding another southpaw could provide balance. With no other left-handed relievers currently on the 40-man roster, Matzek could be a low-risk signing, potentially on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
