Steven Matz Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Steven Matz

Steven Jakob Matz is an accomplished American professional baseball pitcher, widely recognized for his tenure with several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, including the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and currently, the Boston Red Sox. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Matz emerged from a strong high school baseball career to become a prominent left-handed arm in the league. Known for his powerful pitching, he made his MLB debut in 2015 and has since navigated a career marked by both significant achievements and challenges, including overcoming injuries. Beyond the diamond, Steven Matz is also a devoted family man, married to Christian music singer Taylor Cain Matz, with whom he shares two children.

Steven Matz Overview

Early Life and Education of Steven Matz

Steven Jakob Matz was born on May 29, 1991, in Stony Brook, New York, as the second child to Ron and Lori Matz. He grew up on Long Island, alongside an older brother, Jonathan, and a younger sister, Jillian. His father, Ron, coached a travel baseball team and worked as a service manager at a Jeep dealership, while his mother, Lori, was an administrative employee at Comsewogue High School. The Matz family, extending to his grandparents, were avid fans of the New York Mets, instilling an early love for the sport in Steven.

Matz attended Nassakeag Elementary School within the Three Village Central School District. His baseball journey began at the age of eight in the Three Village Little League. By the time he was ten, he started receiving pitching lessons from former Major League Baseball pitcher Neal Heaton, a formative experience that honed his early skills. Matz continued to excel in baseball at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, New York, where he played both pitcher and first base. He was a varsity player from his freshman year, consistently throwing fastballs that averaged 90 miles per hour. During his high school years, he developed a friendly rivalry with future Mets teammate Marcus Stroman, who pitched for a nearby high school.

In his senior season, Matz achieved an impressive 6–1 win–loss record, a 0.47 earned run average (ERA), and 74 strikeouts over 54 innings, leading Ward Melville to its first league title in 34 years. Despite his stellar high school performance, he initially didn’t receive significant attention from scouts for his pitching until a showcase during his senior year, where his fastball was clocked at 87–89 mph. This pivotal moment led to his selection by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft, as the 72nd overall pick. He signed a professional contract for $895,000, foregoing his commitment to Coastal Carolina University.

Steven Matz’s Career

Draft, Minor Leagues, and MLB Debut

Steven Matz’s professional career began with a significant setback as he required Tommy John surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow, delaying his debut by two years. He made his professional debut in 2012, showcasing his potential in the Mets’ minor league system. Matz rapidly ascended through the ranks, contributing to championships for the Savannah Sand Gnats and Binghamton Mets. His impressive minor league performance earned him the recognition of being named the Mets’ Organizational Pitcher of the Year in 2014.

On June 28, 2015, Matz made his highly anticipated MLB debut with the New York Mets, marking a memorable start by not only earning a win but also breaking several hitting records for a pitcher in his first game. He compiled a remarkable 4–0 win–loss record and a 2.27 ERA in an injury-shortened regular season. That year, Matz also played in three postseason games, including Game 4 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, becoming the first New York-native pitcher to start a playoff game for the Mets franchise.

New York Mets (2015–2020)

Matz continued his strong performance into the 2016 season, starting with a 7–1 record and leading all rookie pitchers in wins, ERA, and strikeouts through May. He was named National League Rookie of the Month for May and was considered a contender for NL Rookie of the Year before injuries once again curtailed his season, including a bone spur in his throwing elbow that required surgery. Despite the injury, he finished 2016 with a 9–8 record and a 3.40 ERA over a career-high 22 starts and 132⅓ innings.

The 2017 season presented further injury challenges for Matz, who made only 13 starts due to ulnar nerve irritation requiring surgery. He pitched just 66⅔ innings, finishing with a 2–7 record and a 6.08 ERA. He achieved his first 30-start season in 2018, recording a 5–11 record with a 3.97 ERA. In 2019, Matz showed significant improvement, achieving the best ERA among Mets starting pitchers through June and finishing the season with an 11–10 record, his first winning season since 2016.

His tenure with the Mets concluded after the 2020 season, during which he also dealt with injuries, including left shoulder discomfort.

Toronto Blue Jays (2021)

On January 27, 2021, the Mets traded Steven Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a package of right-handed pitchers. His single season with the Blue Jays proved to be a resurgence. Matz posted a career-best 14–7 record with a 3.82 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 150⅔ innings over 29 starts. His 14 wins tied for second in the American League, highlighting a highly productive year. During this season, he also notably gave up Miguel Cabrera‘s 500th career home run.

St. Louis Cardinals (2022–2025)

Following his successful season with the Blue Jays, Matz signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on November 29, 2021. This move, however, was met with public criticism from Mets owner Steve Cohen, who alleged “unprofessional behavior” by Matz’s agent regarding free agency negotiations. Matz’s time with the Cardinals was once again marked by injuries, limiting his appearances and effectiveness. In 2022, he made 15 appearances (10 starts), missing half the year due to injuries and posting a 5.25 ERA. He made 25 appearances (17 starts) in 2023, with a 4–7 record and a 3.86 ERA. The 2024 season saw Matz begin in the rotation but struggle with a 6.18 ERA in six starts before being placed on the injured list with a lower back strain. He was later activated in September and began the 2025 season in the Cardinals’ bullpen, where he recorded his first career save in March 2025.

Boston Red Sox (2025–Present)

On July 31, 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals traded Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for infielder Blaze Jordan. Since joining the Red Sox, Matz has primarily been utilized as a relief pitcher, demonstrating effectiveness in this role. He has been an impressive addition to the bullpen, allowing only one run through his first 11.1 innings with Boston. On August 28, 2025, he earned his second career save in a 3-2 victory over the Orioles, further solidifying his value as a reliever.

Steven Matz Personal Life & Family

Steven Matz is married to Taylor Cain Matz, a talented Christian music singer and guitar player who performs in the band Cain. The couple got engaged on November 12, 2016, at one of Matz’s “favorite places on Long Island” overlooking a pond in Yaphank, New York. They were married on December 9, 2017, in Nauvoo, Alabama. Fellow Mets players Jacob deGrom and Brandon Nimmo were part of Matz’s wedding party, and Matz was also a groomsman in deGrom’s wedding.

The Matz family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Stevie, in August 2022. In November 2024, they welcomed their second child, a son named Steele Taylor Matz. Taylor Cain Matz actively shares updates about her family life and music career on social media. During the baseball offseason, the family resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where Taylor’s band is based.

Steven Matz has also expressed a deep connection to his Long Island roots, stating its importance to him even while living his dream of playing in the MLB. He enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and camping when not playing baseball. If he hadn’t pursued professional baseball, Matz has mentioned he would have liked to become a firefighter, a profession he deeply respects.

Awards and Achievements of Steven Matz

Throughout his career, Steven Matz has earned recognition for his performance on the field and his dedication off it. Some of his notable awards and achievements include:

• New York Mets Organizational Pitcher of the Year: 2014
• Joe DiMaggio “Toast of the Town” Award: 2015 (shared with Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard)
• MLB Rookie of the Month Award: May 2016
• Roberto Clemente Award Nominee: 2018 (recognized for extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions)
• Joan Payson/Shannon Forde Community Service Award: 2020 (awarded by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America)
• Darryl Kile Award: 2023

His 2021 season with the Toronto Blue Jays also saw him tie for second in the American League in wins with a 14-7 record.

Steven Matz Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Steven Matz’s estimated net worth is approximately $56.5 million. His career earnings from Major League Baseball through August 2025 amount to over $57 million. A significant portion of his income stems from his professional baseball contracts. Matz signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in November 2021, which included a $2 million signing bonus. For the 2025 season, his base salary is $12,000,000, with a total salary of $12,500,000, although his adjusted salary with the Cardinals after his trade to Boston is $3,965,053. His contract with the Cardinals also included performance incentives for innings pitched, All-Star selections, and Cy Young finishes.

Legacy and Influence

Steven Matz has cultivated a public image as a dedicated athlete and a compassionate community member. His influence extends beyond his pitching prowess, largely through his significant philanthropic efforts. Matz established his “TRU32” charity in 2016, initially to honor local firefighters, police officers, and military members by inviting them to Mets games. This initiative has since grown to include an annual fundraiser with the FDNY Foundation, providing scholarships for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

He has also actively supported Angela’s House, a Long Island-based charity that assists families caring for children with special healthcare needs, raising over $20,000 for them in 2016. Additionally, Matz has partnered with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, donating baseball equipment to youth leagues in the New York area. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he and his wife, Taylor, donated $32,000 to New York City first responders and hospitals, including Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, through his TRU32 program.

Matz’s consistent community involvement earned him the Mets’ Roberto Clemente Award nominee on multiple occasions and the Joan Payson/Shannon Forde Community Service award. His commitment to giving back, particularly to first responders and children in need, highlights his desire to use his platform for positive social impact.

Interesting Facts about Steven Matz

• Steven Matz grew up as a passionate New York Mets fan, a sentiment shared by his entire family for generations.
• If he hadn’t become a professional baseball player, Matz has stated that he would have liked to pursue a career as a firefighter.
• He received pitching lessons from former MLB pitcher Neal Heaton starting at age 10.
• During his high school career, he had a friendly rivalry with fellow pitcher and future Mets teammate, Marcus Stroman.
• In his MLB debut on June 28, 2015, Matz became the first pitcher in modern MLB history to drive in four runs in his first career game, achieving three hits, including a double, and earning a win.
• His favorite food is steak, but he dislikes olives.
• Matz’s favorite movie is Forrest Gump, and his favorite actor is Robert Duvall.
• He enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and camping during his leisure time.

Controversies

Steven Matz’s career has faced a few notable challenges and discussions:

• 2017 Elbow Injury Disagreement: In 2017, there was a reported disagreement between Matz and the New York Mets’ team doctors regarding the diagnosis of his left elbow injury (flexor strain). This created a period of uncertainty about his return to play and highlighted potential communication issues between the player and the team’s medical staff.
• 2021 Free Agency and Steve Cohen’s Comments: When Matz signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as a free agent in November 2021, Mets owner Steve Cohen publicly criticized Matz’s agent on Twitter, accusing them of “unprofessional behavior” and implying a broken promise regarding an opportunity for the Mets to match the Cardinals’ offer. Matz’s agent, Rob Martin, responded by stating that Matz made the decision he felt was best for his family after considering a strong pull to return to the Mets.
• 2024 Injury Management with Cardinals: In the 2024 season with the Cardinals, manager Oli Marmol revealed that Matz had been pitching through a lower back injury, raising questions about the team’s decision to allow him to start despite being injured and potentially exacerbating the issue. This situation drew criticism and discussion about player health management and the pressure associated with significant contracts.

Social Media Presence

Steven Matz maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and personal life. While specific, constantly updated follower counts can fluctuate, he generally uses these platforms to share updates related to his baseball career, family, and charitable endeavors. His wife, Taylor Cain Matz, is also active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares insights into their family life and her music career.

Final Words about Steven Matz

Steven Matz, a steadfast left-handed pitcher, has carved out a significant career in Major League Baseball marked by resilience and dedication. From his roots on Long Island as a Mets fan to his journey through multiple MLB teams, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his craft. Despite battling a series of injuries throughout his career, Matz has repeatedly returned to the mound, showcasing his determination and talent.

His recent trade to the Boston Red Sox in July 2025 signifies a new chapter, where he has quickly found a role and proven effective out of the bullpen. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Steven Matz is equally defined by his profound commitment to community service and his family. Through initiatives like TRU32 and support for organizations such as Angela’s House, he has leveraged his platform to honor first responders and aid children in need, earning him accolades for his philanthropy.

As he continues his career with the Red Sox, Matz’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for his contributions on the baseball field, his unwavering spirit in overcoming adversity, and his impactful dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, embodying the qualities of a true professional and humanitarian. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that success is often a blend of talent, perseverance, and a deep-seated commitment to values.