Graveman Has New Digs with Chisox; Matz Lands in Cardinals' Nest

Two free agent pitchers signed contracts yesterday - one starter and one reliever, one righty and one lefty.

Reliever Kendall Graveman, 30, who split 2021 between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, signed a 3-year contract with the Chicago White Sox worth $24 million. While with the Mariners, Graveman was the team's closer saving 10 games. After he was abruptly shipped to the Astros, Graveman became Ryan Pressley's set up man. With Liam Hendriks ensconced as the Chisox's closer it is unclear if Graveman will be the 7th or 8th inning set up man. This will depend on whether the White Sox keep Craig Kimbrel. Yet Kimbrel struggled after moving over to the South Side of Chicago. He is a 9th inning closer. In which case, one could use Michael Kopech in the 7th, Graveman in the 8th and Hendriks in the 9th. But if the White Sox plan on utilizing Kopech as a starter in 2022, they could potentially keep Kimbrel. In which case, Graveman would most likely pitch in the 8th. 

Meanwhile, southpaw Steven Matz has reportedly signed a 4-year, $44 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. After six up and down seasons with the New York Mets, Matz won a career high 14 games with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. It appeared that Matz would be returning to Queens, but he wanted a four year deal and the Mets were only prepared to offer three years. Matz's decision to sign with St. Louis has raised the ire of Mets owner Steve Cohen who blasted Matz's agent Rob Martin for "unprofessional behavior." I believe Cohen is grasping at straws. Matz wanted a four year deal and the Mets weren't willing to give it to him and the Cardinals were. I have a feeling it's going to be a long winter for the Mets. The question will it be a good summer for Matz.