Matthew Boyd is returning to the Detroit Tigers. The left-handed pitcher has agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract. Boyd spent seven seasons with the team from 2015-2021. He returns to help overhaul a Tigers pitching staff decimated with injuries.
Why it Matters
Matthew Boyd is returning to Detroit. It is evident that he wants to come back where he started his career. As it turns out, the organization wanted him back as well. He will turn 32-years old in February, and now he wants to be a mentor to the younger pitchers. Clubhouse chemistry is very important, and Boyd’s veteran experience will certainly help with that.
Strong Mentors
Boyd often talks about being mentored when he arrived in the big leagues in 2015. Pitchers such as Anibal Sanchez and Justin Verlander helped him understand the game both on and off the field.
He was the unquestioned leader of the Tigers’ staff from 2018 until he was granted free agency after the 2021 season. He will become a mentor to the young starters in 2023 including Matt Manning, Casey Mize, and Tarik Skubal. Boyd has remained in close contact with Skubal, who is presently recovering from the same flexor tendon surgery he went through in 2021.
Free Agent in 2021
Boyd underwent the surgery in September 2021. Knowing he would miss some of the 2022 season, the Tigers non-tendered him that November making him a free agent. He finalized a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants for the 2022 season. However, Boyd never made an appearance for the Giants due to his recovery from the forearm flexor tendon surgery. He felt discomfort in his left elbow during live batting practice in June, which led to a 30-day shutdown. On August 2, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners.
Strong Finish
After missing most of the season due to injury, Boyd had a strong finish to his 2022 campaign with the Mariners. He appeared in ten games out of the bullpen, and posted a 2–0 record. He finished with an ERA of 1.35 ERA, and 13 strikeouts. In the 13 1/3 innings he pitched, he limited opponents to just a .116 batting average.
Return to the Starting Rotation
Boyd is now fully healthy, and is eager to return to the starting rotation. Following a brief stint in the bullpen last season, starting was a “non-negotiable” in discussions with teams as a free agent this offseason. The Tigers were happy to oblige that request, returning Boyd to a starting role.
New Pitch
Boyd brings with him an improved changeup pitch that he did not throw very much in his first tour of duty with the Tigers. He honed it while working out, and recovering with the Giants’ pitching coaches.
This now gives him a good three-pitch mix. With a fastball, coming in at 92-94 mph, that will be used to confuse hitters. His slider, which he can throw for strikes and swings and misses, should be his top pitch. The new changeup complements those two pitches.
Needs to Stay Healthy
Matthew Boyd is returning to Detroit, and he needs to stay healthy. He has always had the talent, but injury issues have held him back in the past. If he can stay healthy, he could be a nice surprise for a Tigers organization that is ready to win again.
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