NOW OFFICIAL: St. Louis Cardinals announce contract extension for pitcher Steven Matz: A huge celebration for the team and fans…see more
In a major move for the future, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially announced a contract extension for left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. The deal, which ensures Matz will remain with the Cardinals for the foreseeable future, was confirmed by the team in a celebratory press release. Fans and the organization are excited about the extended commitment to the veteran pitcher, whose presence will significantly shape the Cardinals’ pitching rotation moving forward.
Steven Matz, 32, initially joined the Cardinals in 2022 on a four-year, $44 million contract. Despite struggling with injuries in his first two seasons, Matz showed flashes of his potential, especially toward the end of 2023. His resilience, combined with his ability to bounce back from adversity, played a key role in his return to form, making this contract extension a key part of the team’s long-term strategy.
The Cardinals, known for their strong pitching tradition, are keen to bolster their rotation with Matz’s experience and left-handed arm. Matz’s performance in the final months of the 2023 season made it clear that he could contribute significantly in a starting role, and the front office was eager to lock him in for a longer-term deal. The decision to extend Matz was driven by his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to compete at the highest level.
The new extension also reflects the team’s desire to build a more consistent and deep pitching staff for the future. With several key pitching prospects in the organization, the Cardinals believe that Matz will provide a solid foundation while helping to mentor the younger arms coming up through the ranks. His playoff experience, particularly with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, brings added value to a team with championship aspirations.
Team president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, expressed his enthusiasm about the extension, stating, “Steven has been a valuable part of our pitching staff, and we’re thrilled to continue working with him. His leadership both on and off the field is exactly what we need as we continue to push toward our goal of a World Series title.”
For Matz, this extension is a testament to his determination to overcome the challenges that plagued his early years with the Cardinals. In his comments, Matz thanked the organization and the fans, saying, “I’m grateful for the trust the Cardinals have shown in me. I’m excited to continue competing for this great city and organization, and I can’t wait to get back on the mound.”
The extension of Steven Matz is a significant step for the Cardinals as they continue to build a team that is poised for success in the coming seasons. Fans can look forward to seeing Matz’s contributions to the team as he helps lead the rotation into 2024 and beyond.