Steven Matz rejects Mets, lands four-year deal with Cardinals to dismay of Steve Cohen
NEW YORK — It’s not just front office executives rejecting the Mets. Add a former player to the list of people apparently dodging Flushing.
Former Mets left-hander Steven Matz signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals on Wednesday morning. The Mets were one of at least eight teams competing for the southpaw, and owner Steve Cohen was apparently disappointed by Matz’s agency, Icon Sports Management, and their handling of the Mets' offer.
Cohen tweeted: “I’m not happy this morning . I’ve never seen such unprofessional behavior exhibited by a player’s agent.I guess words and promises don’t matter.”
“We are aware of Mr. Cohen’s tweet,” said Rob Martin, Matz’s agent, in a statement. “It’s unfortunate that he chose to take his frustrations to Twitter. I will not do the same, and instead will take the high road which is consistent with both my character and the character of our client.
“Steven Matz grew up a Mets fan, loved his time there, and continues to invest in the New York Community through his efforts supporting NY’s First Responders. As a result of all that, there was a strong pull to return to the Mets. But ultimately he made the decision he felt was best for him and his family.
“Steven is and always will be grateful to the Mets and Mets fans, but he now looks forward to his next chapter with the tremendous franchise in St. Louis.”
The Mets were reportedly ready to meet St. Louis’ four-year, $44 million offer for Matz and had the impression he was ready to return to the team that drafted him in 2009. Matz reportedly changed his mind in the end and agreed to join a rotation that includes Adam Wainwright and Jack Flaherty on the Cardinals.
Cohen’s emotional tweet comes days after he promised new GM Billy Eppler that the Mets would spend big on the free-agent market. Cohen, in his second year owning the Mets since purchasing the team for $2.4 billion, indicated he would spend significant money on free agents this winter to help improve the roster.
The Mets’ need for pitching depth is a top priority this offseason. Matz could’ve helped fill out the back end of the starting rotation while reuniting with his close friend, Jacob deGrom. The Mets will need to fill the Thor-sized hole that Noah Syndergaard left behind when he signed with the Angels last week. Marcus Stroman, one of 11 Mets who hit free agency this offseason, is not a guarantee to re-sign and stay in Flushing.
The Mets’ offer to free agent Matz was their first real activity this offseason after wrapping up a seven-week search for a front office leader that saw multiple rejections before resulting in Eppler’s hiring. The acquisition of Matz, had it come to fruition the way Cohen expected, would’ve been Eppler’s first deal since officially becoming the Mets GM last Friday.
The starting pitching market is moving swiftly with just one week to go before an expected lockout. MLB owners and the players’ union are not expected to agree to a new CBA before the old one expires on Dec. 1. A lockout is expected to freeze all player transactions and quiet the sport during what has otherwise been a busy month in the hot stove.
Matz joins a long list of starting pitchers who already signed new deals or decided to stay with their clubs ahead of the lockout, including Justin Verlander (Astros), Eduardo Rodriguez (Tigers), Anthony DeSclafani (Giants), Alex Wood (Giants) and Syndergaard (Angels).
