REPORT: Former Red Sox top prospect emerge as top candidate to fill up bullpen
A surprise contender has emerged in the Red Sox bullpen battle, and it’s a name familiar to those who have followed the team’s minor league system in recent years.
Right-hander Bryan Mata, a non-roster invitee after being removed from the 40-man roster last fall, is one of five pitchers vying for the final three spots in Boston’s relief corps. Competing alongside Brennan Bernardino, Cooper Criswell, Zack Kelly, and Greg Weissert, Mata has remained in major league camp—a reflection of his potential.
Once a highly regarded pitching prospect, Mata has battled injuries for much of the past few seasons. His 11.57 ERA in 4 ⅓ innings this spring may not be impressive, but the Red Sox are intrigued by his fastball, which consistently sits at 98-99 mph, and his solid 7:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In an era where raw pitching talent is highly valued, Mata’s arsenal has made an impression.
“He’s throwing the (expletive) out of the ball,” manager Alex Cora said. “He’s hitting 98-99 (mph), throwing strikes, with a good changeup and slider. Most importantly, he’s healthy.”
Mata’s career has been filled with unfulfilled potential. After gaining recognition in 2016 and 2017, he earned a spot in the 2018 All-Star Futures Game while playing for High-A Salem. With a high-velocity fastball, two breaking pitches, and a changeup, he quickly climbed the prospect rankings, peaking as Baseball America’s No. 4 Red Sox prospect.
However, injuries derailed his progress. After the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to COVID, Mata underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 and was limited to just 132 ⅔ innings from 2022 to 2024. Last year, he pitched only 22 ⅔ innings while struggling through multiple rehab assignments. Out of minor league options, he was designated for assignment and non-tendered in November before re-signing on a minor league deal.
Now 25, Mata entered camp without a 40-man roster spot for the first time since 2020. A hamstring injury slowed his start, but since his Grapefruit League debut on March 11, he has impressed.
“He’s put himself back on the map,” Cora said. “At one point, he was a top guy in this organization. He’s dealt with injuries for a long time, but sometimes things happen for a reason. Maybe he’s more relaxed in this new situation.”
Mata’s final Grapefruit League appearance came Saturday against the Rays in what Cora called an important outing. He allowed two earned runs on four hits in 1 ⅔ innings while striking out two. Despite the stat line, Cora saw positives.
“He threw well,” Cora said. “Our defense didn’t help him, but his stuff looked good. He maintained his velocity and threw a lot of strikes—another solid outing.”
If the Red Sox want to carry Mata into the regular season, they’ll need to add him to the 40-man roster soon. That decision remains in play as roster moves unfold.
“As long as he throws strikes, he’s in the mix,” Cora said.