{"id":79897,"date":"2024-07-12T20:46:20","date_gmt":"2024-07-13T00:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=79897"},"modified":"2024-07-12T20:46:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-13T00:46:20","slug":"red-sox-bryan-mata-decision-looming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/07\/12\/red-sox-bryan-mata-decision-looming\/","title":{"rendered":"Pressing Decision On Former Red Sox Top Prospect Looming"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2018, right-handed pitcher Bryan Mata<\/a> was ranked as the fourth-best prospect in the Boston Red Sox system. His high-graded fastball, strong off-speed arsenal, and starting-caliber build made him one of Boston\u2019s most intriguing assets. But since then, it\u2019s been a grueling and unexpected journey for Mata. And now, the Red Sox have under three days to act. Will Boston continue to house Bryan Mata in its ranks? That question will be decided soon, as a pressing decision on the former Red Sox top prospect is looming large.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pressing Decision Looming on Former Red Sox Top Prospect Bryan Mata<\/b><\/h2>\n

Mata\u2019s Up And Downs In The Minor Leagues<\/b><\/h3>\n

Bryan Mata signed with the Red Sox in early 2016 for $25,000 at just 16 years old. A strong Dominican Summer League campaign months later led Boston to move the Venezuela native to Low-A with the Greenville Drive, where he was the youngest player in the league. He pitched well in 2017, throwing 77 innings with a 3.74 ERA. His next season came with the Salem Red Sox at High-A. He improved, posting a 3.50 ERA in 17 starts. Things were looking pretty good for Mata at just 19 years old. Coming into 2019, he slightly moved down MLB.com\u2019s prospect rankings<\/a> and sat eighth on the list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He continued on his path to start 2019. In just over 50 innings with Salem, he had a low 1.75 ERA, prompting a call-up to Double-A with the Portland Sea Dogs. That came with his first obstacle – a struggling 5.03 ERA in 53 \u2154 innings. Still, it was another fine campaign that ended with an overall ERA below 3.50. Entering 2020, Mata figured to keep rising through the Red Sox ranks<\/a>. That was coupled with his return to the title of Boston\u2019s fourth-best prospect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pandemic changed things, with the MiLB season canceled across every level. Mata worked out at an alternate site to keep development steady. In 2021, he joined the Red Sox for spring training. But he was shut down due to soreness in his right triceps. Then, the worst occurred: a torn UCL in his right elbow. Mata needed Tommy John surgery at just 21 years old. He was ruled out for all of 2021 and aimed at a comeback in 2022. He entered that season as Boston\u2019s eighth-ranked minor leaguer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mata Rebounds, Then Slumps In Red Sox System<\/b><\/h3>\n

Despite missing over a year of baseball, Mata came back strong in 2022. After two quick rehab assignments, the Venezuelan returned to Double-A with Portland. After struggling in 2019, it was a different story in 2022. Mata dominated opponents in just under 50 innings, striking out 58 and sporting a 1.85 ERA. That was reason enough for the Red Sox to promote him to Triple-A for the first time in his career. With the Worcester Red Sox, Mata was still strong. He had a 3.47 ERA in over 23 innings of work. Mata struggled with walks as his WHIP rose from 1.192 to 1.457 as he changed levels. Still, things were on track for the international signee.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bryan Mata 10 K, 15 swing and misses this afternoon pic.twitter.com\/pmG56486SH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) September 24, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n