It is one of the true tragedies of the last few years for the Atlanta Braves that Tyler Matzek's career went sideways through no real fault of his own. Anyone who watched the 2021 postseason knows that without Matzek, the Braves don't make it to the World Series and his performance against the Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS is a top all-time Braves playoff moment.
Unfortunately, Matzek's arm didn't manage to hold up in the years since as he missed time with elbow and shoulder issues in 2022 and he ultimately required Tommy John surgery. The Braves gave him another chance last season after he recovered, but he wasn't the same and the team ended up trading him to the Giants at the deadline.
That wasn't the end of Matzek's story. Reports came out that Matzek is attempting a comeback after doing a lot of work to get his lost velo back and the early reports from his showcase have been largely positive. However, that has also led to interest in Matzek from some truly horrifying suitors for Braves fans.
Scouts who watched free agent lefty reliever Tyler Matzek’s bullpen in Irvine, Cali yesterday felt he looked strong and healthy
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 24, 2025
Could be an MLB bullpen option for teams. Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies among those who attended and fit
Tyler Matzek's suitors are a who's who of Braves nemeses
Obviously the most important thing he is that it looks like Matzek is going to get another opportunity in the big leagues. While it doesn't seem like it will be with the Braves (or at least so we think), most fans should agree that he shouldn't get flamed wherever he ends up. Hopefully he kills it with this comeback attempt.
That said, woof...the list of fits from Ragazzo (that admittedly hasn't been completely confirmed by others yet) for Matzek is absolutely brutal. We have the team that Matzek sent to the shadow realm in the Dodgers, the division rival Mets and Phillies who would love to stick it to Atlanta, and the Yankees who just stole Max Fried and who have be the source of endless torment for the Braves over the years.
In some ways, it just doesn't feel right. Matzek just seems like a guy that should end his career with the Braves. Unfortunately, the injury gods had other plans. That said, nothing changes what he meant to Braves fans in his short time in Atlanta and he deserves all the success in the world.