Mets trade Steven Matz to Blue Jays for 3 pitchers
The New York Mets have traded left-handed pitcher Steven Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays for a trio of right-handed pitchers in Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Diaz, and Josh Winckowski, the teams announced Wednesday.
OFFICIAL: We've acquired LHP Steven Matz from the Mets in exchange for RHPs Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Diáz and Josh Winckowski.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 28, 2021
Welcome to the #BlueJays, @Smatz88! pic.twitter.com/EfFJgfpq0i
Matz, 29, has struggled in recent years while acting primarily as a starter. The lefty has posted a 5.09 ERA and 5.11 FIP over 191 innings since the beginning of 2019 while making 36 starts and five relief appearances.
The former second-round pick is owed $5.2 million in 2021 before becoming eligible for free agency next winter. Matz joins a rotation led by fellow lefties Hyun Jin Ryu and Robbie Ray, as well as right-handers Nate Pearson and Tanner Roark.
Reid-Foley has played parts of three seasons with the Blue Jays after ranking as one of the best pitchers in their farm system. The 25-year-old owns a 4.40 ERA and 5.20 FIP in 71 2/3 career innings, making 13 starts and eight relief appearances.
Diaz, 24, made his major-league debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. The right-hander allowed two runs on one hit and four walks over 2/3 of an inning. Diaz authored a 3.74 ERA and 3.93 FIP through 144 1/3 innings in Triple-A in 2019.
Winckowski, 22, spent the 2019 season between Single-A Lansing and High-A Dunedin, posting a 3.11 ERA over 127 1/3 innings.