Many assume that late-round draft picks rarely make an impact in professional baseball. Yet Cody Matz, a left-handed pitcher selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, has already demonstrated that potential can emerge from any round. Born on August 28, 2001, in New Prague, Minnesota, Matz stands 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 215 pounds, throwing and batting left-handed.
How Cody Matz Compares to Other Twins Pitching Prospects
When evaluating minor league pitchers, scouts often look at velocity, secondary pitches, and command. Matz’s fastball sits between 91 and 94 mph, which is slightly below the elite velocity of some top prospects but still effective when paired with his slider. Unlike power arms who rely on strikeouts, Matz generates weak contact and ground balls. His 2024 season with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in Single-A produced a 3.86 ERA over 60.2 innings, a solid mark for a first full professional season. Compared to other Twins left-handed prospects, Matz may not have the highest ceiling, but his consistency and pitchability give him a realistic path to the majors. fox9.com/person/m/cody-matz” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Cody Matz – FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
Behind the Scenes: How the Twins Developed Matz After the Draft
After being drafted, Matz reported to the Twins’ spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, where he underwent a structured development program. The organization focused on refining his mechanics and improving his slider’s consistency. According to team reports, Matz worked closely with pitching coaches to increase his fastball command and develop a changeup to complement his two-pitch mix. The Twins have a history of developing late-round picks into productive major leaguers, and Matz’s work ethic has drawn positive reviews from coaching staff. His college experience at the University of Minnesota, where he was named to the 2023 All-Big Ten Second Team, provided a strong foundation for professional adjustments.
Timeline of Key Moments in Cody Matz’s Baseball Career
Matz’s journey began at New Prague High School, where he was a standout pitcher. He then committed to the University of Minnesota, making his college debut in 2021. Over three seasons with the Golden Gophers, he steadily improved his statistics, culminating in a strong 2023 campaign that earned him All-Big Ten honors. The Twins selected him in July 2023, and he signed shortly after. He made his professional debut in the Florida Complex League later that summer, posting a 2.70 ERA in limited innings. In 2024, he was assigned to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, where he made 15 starts and struck out 57 batters while walking 22. As of October 2024, he has not yet made his MLB debut, but he remains a prospect to watch.
| Year | Team | Level | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | FCL Twins | Rookie | 2.70 |
| 2024 | Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | Single-A | 3.86 |
Why Cody Matz Matters for Minnesota Baseball Fans
For fans in Minnesota, Matz represents a local product who stayed home to play college ball and was drafted by the state’s major league team. His roots in New Prague and his time at the University of Minnesota make him a relatable figure for regional supporters. The Twins have a strong track record of developing pitchers from the upper Midwest, and Matz fits that mold. His progress through the minor leagues provides a storyline that resonates with fans who follow the farm system closely. If he eventually reaches Target Field, he would become another example of the Twins’ ability to find talent in later rounds and develop it into big league contributors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cody Matz?
Cody Matz is a professional baseball pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. He was drafted in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Minnesota and currently plays for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in Single-A.
What is Cody Matz best known for?
Matz is best known for his left-handed pitching, a fastball that reaches 94 mph, and a sharp slider. He was named to the 2023 All-Big Ten Second Team during his college career at the University of Minnesota.
How does Cody Matz differ from other Twins pitching prospects?
Unlike some top prospects who rely on high velocity or strikeouts, Matz focuses on command and inducing weak contact. His 3.86 ERA in 2024 shows effectiveness without overpowering stuff, making him a different type of prospect.
Who are Cody Matz’s parents?
Public records indicate that Matz’s parents are not widely reported in media. He was born in New Prague, Minnesota, and attended New Prague High School before playing at the University of Minnesota.
How old is Cody Matz?
Cody Matz was born on August 28, 2001, making him 23 years old as of October 2024. He is in the early stages of his professional baseball career with the Minnesota Twins organization.
