One of the best feelings for sports fans is watching one's favorite team do something a rival couldn't. That's how Boston Red Sox fans feel right now, watching rookie catcher Carlos Narvaez succeed after the New York Yankees gave up on him, trading him to Alex Cora's club in exchange for right-handed pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz in December.
Some players simply thrive more with organizations that know how to play to their strengths, which is the case for Narvaez in Boston. Interestingly enough, the Red Sox suddenly have another opportunity to grab a former Yankee and help them succeed, unlike their AL East rival.
Red Sox Should Sign LHP Tyler Matzek After Leaving Yankees
On Monday, the Yankees announced that left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek has "elected free agency in lieu of accepting an outright assignment." The move comes after the 34-year-old southpaw went unclaimed on waivers.
Matzek's time with the Yankees was brief, having only joined the Bronx Bombers on a minor-league contract in February. His contract was selected by New York after nearly a month into the 2025 campaign; however, his MLB performance left much to be desired as he pitched to a 4.26 ERA with seven strikeouts across 6 1/3 innings in seven relief appearances.
Although he hasn't been the same pitcher since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Matzek is still someone the Red Sox should roll the dice on. Boston could have a gem on its hands if it can help turn the veteran southpaw's career around, especially if Matzek returns to the form that boasted a 2.95 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 111 outings between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The Red Sox's relievers currently own the 12th-best bullpen ERA (3.63) in the Majors, but having more pitching depth — especially in a 162-game season — is never a bad thing. Even if he doesn't turn back the clock, Matzek is still someone who can eat minor-league innings with the occasional call-up here and there.
Besides, it'd be great if Boston helped Matzek rediscover his groove before next month's series against New York. The Red Sox will be facing the Yankees six times in a 10-day stretch before the middle of June, and it'd be great to see the free-agent reliever exact revenge in either series at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park.
As the potential of signing Matzek looms, the Red Sox will continue with their 2025 campaign, being tied for the 11th-best World Series odds (+2500) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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