Rumor: Steven Matz Declines Huge Offer from Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays tendered qualifying offers to starting pitcher Robbie Ray and second baseman Marcus Semien but did not send an offer to LHP Steven Matz. Instead, word is the team offered Matz a multi-year deal, which was quickly declined.

Jays recently made a multiyear offer to Steven Matz. He did not accept it so free agency awaits. Jays ultimately decided not to give Matz the $18.4M qualifying offer.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2021

Matz enjoyed himself a fine bounce back season in Toronto after it was a struggling conclusion with the New York Mets. In 2020 Matz posted a 9.68 ERA in nine outings however the Blue Jays took a gamble and made a deal with the Mets anyways, sending a trio of prospects to the Big Apple. Sure enough it paid off.

In 2021 Matz was one of the best starters in the American League, posting a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts, striking out 144 and walking 43 in 150.2 innings pitched. He was a huge question mark that turned into a staple in the Blue Jays bullpen. While Ray may be in line for a massive pay day, Matz is one of those second-tier starters who are going to benefit from being a fall back option to teams who lose out on the big guns.

Matz made $5.2 million last season and is in line for a hefty pay raise. While the latest offer was denied, there's still a good chance the lefty reups in Toronto. Keep an eye on the southpaw this week as he hits the open market. As many as 15 teams are expected to be interested in Matz, with the Blue Jays front and center trying to do whatever they can to bring back the starter.

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