Yankees reportedly sign Braves 2021 World Series hero in move that will shake Dodgers

The New York Yankees might be late to the party here, but they're signing a 2021 World Series hero who made his mark on MLB during that postseason run as he ripped through the LA Dodgers in the NLCS.

Tyler Matzek is reportedly signing a minor-league contract with the Bombers after "impressing scouts in a recent showcase." The Yankees needed another lefty reliever, even after signing Tim Hill, and it appears they went the low-risk, high-reward route.

Matzek is entering his age-34 season and has pitched in only 11 games since the start of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He's since dealt with complications from that surgery in addition to back and side injuries.

He was traded to the San Francisco Giants in the Jorge Soler deal at the 2024 deadline but he didn't appear in a game for the remainder of the year. The Giants released him in August, he re-signed with the Braves in September, and then became a free agent when the season ended.

He'll look to begin his journey back to the back end of a bullpen this spring with his 2020 and 2021 heyday seasons far in the rearview.

Yankees News: Tyler Matzek reportedly signing minor-league contract with NYY

Back in 2021, Matzek logged a career season. He finished with a 2.57 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 1.22 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 63 innings of work. But he conducted his best work that October when he logged 15 2/3 innings and surrendered just three earned runs while striking out 24 en route to a Braves World Series victory.

The most notable moment of that run? Matzek sitting Mookie Betts down on three pitches in the NLCS Game 6 clincher (in which he earned the win). He struck out 11 Dodgers over five games and allowed just two earned runs on one hit and two walks in six innings.

Matzek added a fear factor in the Braves' bullpen as one of the most demonstrative presences on the mound that season. Perhaps that's an element the Yankees are looking to add in 2025. It's something they need, but perhaps in more of a known quantity.

Nonetheless, if Matzek can make his way back to full strength under Matt Blake's tutelage, this could end up being one of Brian Cashman's best moves of the offseason.