The Atlanta Braves have had a consistent theme in the 2025 season of bringing back former players to attempt to find surprise value. Whether it was re-signing former closer Craig Kimbrel or attempting to breathe life back into the careers of Eddie Rosario and Jessie Chavez, Atlanta has consistently looked to bring in familiar faces during the 2025 season. This strategy could continue this week with the recent news of Tyler Matzek's release.
The former Atlanta reliever was off to a rough start in New York and the Yankees didn't hesitate to move on. Matzek being granted his release makes a reunion possible if not probable. The reliever will always be fondly remembered for his contributions to Atlanta's 2021 World Series run. Matzek had a handful of defining moments during the team's surprise run.
The Braves Shouldn't Hesitate to Bring Tyler Matzek Back on a Minor League Deal
The Braves should offer Matzek the exact type of deal Kimbrel signed with Atlanta. The reliever is far removed from his days as a proven commodity. While Atlanta cannot afford to simply sign the veteran to the active roster, an attempted reunion does make a level of sense. The Braves' bullpen consistently struggled during the series in Boston.
Atlanta's pen has been overachieving, and it appears to have finally caught up to the franchise. Craig Kimbrel is an expected call up to help fix these concerns. However, there are still a myriad of question marks that Matzek could help answer if the reliever can turn back the clock anything close to what he once was before he underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2022.
With this in mind, Atlanta should be reaching out to see if the veteran is willing to take a minor league deal to return to the Braves. There is so much uncertainty in the Atlanta pen that it wouldn't be surprising at all to see the team at least attempt this reunion.
Whether or not Matzek returns to Atlanta, the reliever is going to be fondly remembered for his contributions to the team's 2021 World Series run. This included an epic showdown against a loaded Dodgers lineup in the most stressful situation possible. If there is even a sliver of a chance this version of the pitcher is still there, Atlanta owes it to the team to attempt a reunion.