Steven Matz – St. Louis Cardinals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Steven Matz has made his mark as a reliable lefty in Major League Baseball since he debuted with the New York Mets back in 2015. The Long Island native battled through early injuries and eventually became a steady part of the rotation, thanks to his sharp fastball-changeup mix and knack for getting ground balls.

Right now, Matz is pitching under a four-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals that runs through 2025. He’s built up an estimated net worth of about $56.5 million over his career.

Matz’s run through professional baseball really tells a story of sticking with it. After the Mets drafted him, he climbed their system and made a splashy MLB debut—he even drove in four runs at the plate that day.

His contracts have steadily grown, starting from early arbitration deals with the Mets to his current big-money deal with St. Louis, which pays him $10 million a year.

His time with the Blue Jays in 2021 really boosted his market value, leading to his current multi-year agreement that came with a $2 million signing bonus.

Injuries have popped up here and there, but when he’s healthy, Matz keeps proving he’s a solid mid-rotation starter—and that’s locked in his financial future in the game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Steven Matz’s baseball story started right in his hometown. From a young age, his natural talent and drive for the sport stood out.

Family support, high school success, and plenty of hard work all played a part in getting him ready for the MLB.

Background and Family

Steven Jakob Matz was born May 29, 1991, in Stony Brook, New York. He grew up on Long Island, surrounded by a family that really encouraged his love for baseball.

His parents, Ron and Lori Matz, both played big roles in his early athletic life. From the start, Matz showed off some serious athleticism.

He played in local youth leagues, and coaches quickly noticed his strong arm and coordination. The Matz family made sacrifices, traveling for tournaments and showcases all over the region just to help Steven chase his dream.

That kind of family support gave him a solid foundation as he developed his skills.

High School Baseball Years

Matz went to Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, New York. There, he started making a name for himself as a pitcher.

During high school, he worked on his fastball, which eventually topped out in the mid-90s. His senior year in 2009 was especially impressive.

He put up a 6-1 record with a tiny 0.47 ERA and struck out 81 batters in just 44 innings. Pro scouts and college programs definitely took notice.

He earned All-State honors and got named Newsday Long Island Player of the Year. As a lefty with a strong arm, he became one of the most sought-after high school pitchers in the Northeast.

Matz committed to play college baseball at Coastal Carolina University, giving himself a solid backup plan.

Path to Professional Baseball

His high school performance made him a top prospect for the 2009 MLB Draft. Scouts liked his smooth delivery, the way his pitches moved, and his projectable frame.

The New York Mets drafted Matz in the second round (72nd overall) in 2009. For a kid who grew up a Mets fan, it was a dream come true.

He chose to sign with the Mets for a $895,000 bonus rather than go to college. But almost right away, he needed Tommy John surgery, which delayed his pro debut.

That early setback really tested his resolve. Matz stuck with his rehab, showing the kind of determination that would define his career.

Professional Career Overview

Steven Matz has played for several teams, making meaningful contributions along the way. His career shows how he’s adapted, fought through injuries, and grown as a big-league starter.

Major League Debut and New York Mets Era

Matz made his long-awaited MLB debut with the Mets on June 28, 2015, facing the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched well and even drove in four runs—something no Mets pitcher had done in a debut before.

During his time with the Mets (2015-2020), he proved to be a reliable lefty starter when healthy. His best year came in 2016, when he went 9-8 with a 3.40 ERA over 132.1 innings.

Injuries, especially elbow issues that led to Tommy John surgery early on, slowed his development. By January 2019, Matz had bounced back enough that the Mets signed him to a one-year, $2.625 million deal, avoiding arbitration.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

After some short stops elsewhere, Matz found more stability with the St. Louis Cardinals. He signed a four-year, $44 million contract with them in November 2021, which included a $2 million signing bonus.

The Cardinals really invested in Matz, betting on his left arm and experience. He’s worked hard to secure a rotation spot, focusing on refining his pitch mix and staying healthy.

Injuries interrupted his 2022 season, but he showed flashes of what he can do when he’s on the mound. His annual salary of $10 million shows the Cardinals still believe in his talent.

Other Team Journeys: Blue Jays, Rangers, Giants

Between leaving the Mets and joining the Cardinals, Matz spent 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He put together a 14-7 record with a 3.82 ERA over 150.2 innings, rebuilding his reputation after a tough end in New York.

His stint with the Blue Jays showed he could adapt to a new team and pitch well in the tough AL East. While most people link him to the Mets and Cardinals, Matz has popped up in rumors with other teams, like the Rangers and Giants.

He hasn’t spent real time with those clubs, but they’ve reportedly shown interest in him over the years.

Notable Trades and Transactions

The Mets traded Matz to the Blue Jays in January 2021 for three pitching prospects. That move ended his six-year run with his hometown team.

After his year in Toronto, the Cardinals signed him to his current four-year contract, averaging $11 million a season. That’s easily the biggest commitment any team has made to Matz.

Born May 29, 1991, Matz was taken by the Mets in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Ward Melville High in East Setauket, New York.

His contract talks have usually gone smoothly. Matz and his reps have landed deals that reflect both his skills and his injury history.

Contract History and Salary Insights

Steven Matz has built up a solid financial base over his MLB career, thanks to smart contract choices and steady pitching. His earnings track the typical path from rookie deals to bigger contracts.

Rookie Contracts and Early Professional Earnings

Matz started out after the Mets picked him in the second round of the 2009 draft. His first minor league contract came with a signing bonus that was about average for a second-rounder.

After working his way through the minors, he debuted in the majors on June 28, 2015. In those early years, he earned close to league minimum, like most young players.

His pre-arbitration salaries stayed low, but as he became a regular in the rotation, he got raises through arbitration. The more innings he threw and the more consistent he was, the more he earned.

Between 2016 and 2020, Matz’s value grew as he kept starting games for the Mets.

St. Louis Cardinals Contract Details

Matz really cashed in when he signed a 4-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals. That contract included a $2 million signing bonus.

The deal pays him an average salary of about $11 million, though his 2025 salary is set to be $12.5 million.

The Cardinals showed a lot of faith in Matz, even with his injury history. There are also performance incentives tied to innings pitched and starts.

This contract marked a big jump from his previous deals and put him in the middle tier of MLB starting pitcher salaries.

Comparisons to Other Pitchers’ Contracts

Matz’s $44 million contract puts him in the middle range for starters. Top pitchers like Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole make over $30 million a year, but Matz’s $11 million per season fits his role as a solid mid-rotation guy.

Compared to other lefties with similar careers, his deal lines up with the market. Pitchers like Sonny Gray have signed similar contracts.

The Cardinals tend to spread their payroll among several good pitchers instead of blowing it all on one ace. Matz fits right into that plan.

His contract looks especially reasonable compared to some of the Cardinals’ other big deals, like Nolan Arenado’s much larger one.

Free Agency and Negotiations

After the 2021 season, Matz hit free agency. He’d just rebuilt his value with the Blue Jays and hit the market at the perfect time.

Several teams went after him, but the Cardinals landed him with a four-year offer. Other clubs, including the Mets and Cubs, reportedly showed interest.

Even without elite stats, Matz’s durability and left-handedness made him a hot commodity. By 2021, his net worth had reached about $11.6 million, and it’s probably doubled since then with his Cardinals contract.

His current deal runs through the 2025 season. After that, who knows—maybe he’ll land one more big contract before he’s done.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Steven Matz has built up a strong financial profile through his years in MLB. His wealth comes from his salary, but also from investments, endorsements, and giving back through charity.

Estimated Net Worth Breakdown

Matz’s net worth sits at roughly $11.6 million by recent estimates, but it’s probably grown quite a bit since he signed with the Cardinals.

His annual salary of $10 million really adds to his bottom line. That 4-year, $44 million contract with a $2 million signing bonus doesn’t hurt, either.

Matz’s earnings have soared since his early Mets days. In 2019, he made $2.625 million in New York, so his pay has jumped nearly fourfold since then.

He likely owns real estate, has investments, and maybe a few luxury items, though he keeps most of those details private.

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Steven Matz might not have the same commercial spotlight as some MLB superstars, but he’s landed a handful of endorsement deals over the years. He’s mostly worked with baseball equipment brands and local businesses wherever he’s pitched.

As a lefty with a backstory of battling through injuries, Matz gives brands a real, relatable ambassador—especially in New York and St. Louis. That regional pull? It’s not something you can fake.

He’s probably got some money coming in from investments too, like real estate or local businesses. Most guys at his level don’t just stick to their playing salary—they bring in financial advisors and try to set themselves up for the long haul.

Matz has also spent time at baseball clinics and speaking gigs. These not only pad his income a bit, but they let him connect with younger players and pass along what he’s learned.

Charitable Work and Philanthropy

Matz puts real energy into his charity work, especially through his foundation, “TRU32,” which pays tribute to first responders. The foundation puts on events and fundraisers for firefighters, police, and military folks.

His giving back seems rooted in his Long Island upbringing and family values. It’s not just about helping others—these efforts also shape his legacy and personal brand after the final pitch.

Every season, you’ll catch Matz inviting first responders to games or hosting fundraising dinners. He manages to fit this in around the grind of being a pro athlete, which is honestly impressive.

He keeps the exact donation numbers private, but he always sets aside a chunk of his earnings for causes that matter to him. It’s clear he wants his success to mean something for the community.

Playing Style, Performance, and Legacy

Steven Matz has carved out a place as a left-handed pitcher with both standout strengths and some real hurdles. His time with the Mets and Cardinals? It’s been a mix of promise, tough injuries, and the kind of perseverance you have to respect.

Pitching Style and Key Stats

Matz leans on a four-pitch mix: a fastball in the 92-94 mph range, plus a curveball, changeup, and slider. That changeup? It’s probably his best secondary pitch, giving hitters a tough time with the speed difference from his fastball.

He’s put up solid numbers over the years, keeping a career ERA around 4.00. When healthy, he strikes out 8-9 batters per nine innings—not too shabby.

His delivery stands out with a little hesitation and a high leg kick, helping him hide his pitches. Still, he’s struggled with consistency, especially against right-handed hitters who tend to have more success against him.

Command sometimes slips, more so when he’s coming back from injuries. But when he’s on, he can cruise through 6-7 innings without burning through pitches.

Signature Seasons and Achievements

Back in 2016 with the Mets, Matz really made his mark. He put up a 3.40 ERA over 132 innings before injuries got in the way. That year, he was a reliable mid-rotation starter.

In 2019, he showed off his durability, throwing a career-high 160.1 innings and winning 11 games. That was a big step forward after some rough injury luck.

Since signing with the Cardinals in 2022 on a four-year, $44 million contract, Matz has tried to find his groove again. The results have been a bit up and down, but you still see flashes of the pitcher who earned that deal.

When his sinker’s working, Matz racks up ground balls and gets out of jams. That’s been a real asset for him.

Role in Pitching Staff and Team Rotation

With the Cardinals, Matz usually slots in as a middle-rotation starter—third or fourth in the lineup, most of the time. His left-handed arm brings balance to a staff full of righties like Spencer Turnbull and Michael Lorenzen.

His spot in the rotation sometimes shifts around, depending on injuries or how he’s pitching. But when he’s healthy, he gives the team solid innings and some veteran know-how.

The Cardinals pair Matz with pitchers like Kyle Gibson to keep hitters off-balance. Gibson’s style and arm angle mix things up, making it tougher for opposing batters to settle in.

The team’s invested a lot in Matz—$12 million a year through 2025. That says a lot about how much they expect from him as a steady starter.

Future Prospects and Legacy

As Matz heads into the later years of his Cardinals contract, he’s keeping his eyes on two things: staying healthy and finding some consistency. By 2025, he’ll be 34, and like most pitchers his age, he’s got to work around the inevitable dip in velocity.

People will probably remember Matz for his resilience. He’s a guy who pushed through tough injuries early on and still found ways to stick around and help out at the big league level.

The last stretch of his contract with the Cardinals gives him a real shot to lock in his status as a steady, dependable starter. Plus, with all that experience, he’s in a great spot to help guide the younger arms coming up in the organization.

If Matz can keep tweaking his style to make up for any lost speed, he could still be pretty effective as his career winds down. Some pitchers figure out how to adapt and end up sticking around into their mid-30s—maybe he’ll be one of them.