Former New York Mets pitcher Steven Matz, a Long Island native, recently reflected on his return to postseason action after a 10-year absence. Matz, now a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, pitched an inning in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees. He kept the Yankees scoreless, allowing two hits and striking out one.
“It’s weird. Time flies,” Matz told amNewYork. “I don’t feel that old. But it was really cool, especially to do it back in New York.”
Matz's last postseason appearance was in Game 4 of the 2015 World Series with the Mets. He pitched five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts against the Kansas City Royals. He made three appearances during the Mets' World Series run in 2015, posting a 3.68 ERA.
Cardinals Eye Pitching Reinforcements for 2026 Season
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering several pitching options to bolster their rotation for the 2026 season. With a potential rebuild on the horizon, the team is looking to free agency and potential trades to address their pitching needs.
Potential Targets: Andrew Heaney and Zack Littell
- Andrew Heaney: The Cardinals could consider Heaney, a veteran pitcher who has shown flashes of potential throughout his career. While his ERA in 2025 was 5.52, he has a career K/9 rate of 9.2. He could be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Cardinals.
- Zack Littell: The Cardinals are urged to consider Zack Littell, a pitcher known for eating innings and attacking hitters. After a trade to the Cincinnati Reds he posted a 4.39 ERA in 10 starts. Littell will turn 30 in a few days, so he's not as old as other starters the Cardinals have targeted.
The Cardinals are expected to be active in the pitching market this offseason as they look to rebuild and compete in the coming years.