Brian Matusz, a left-handed pitcher known for his contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB), made a lasting impact during his career with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs. Born in February 1987 in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matusz passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 37. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated at $10 million, a reflection of his successful baseball career and financial acumen.
Early Life and Education
Brian Matusz grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona, in a sports-oriented family. His father, Michael, was a former track and field athlete for Purdue University, and his brother, Chris, played baseball at Iowa Wesleyan University. From a young age, Matusz displayed a passion for sports, particularly baseball.
While attending St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Matusz excelled on the baseball field. In his junior year, he achieved an impressive record of 8-2 with a 0.95 ERA, earning first-team All-State honors. His senior year saw even greater success, with a record of 8-1 and a remarkable 0.50 ERA. He was named Arizona’s Player of the Year, setting the stage for his future in professional baseball.
Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2005 MLB draft, Matusz chose to attend the University of San Diego to pursue his education and develop his pitching skills. His collegiate career was highly decorated, and he was named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year. These accomplishments led to his selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft.
MLB Career Highlights
Baltimore Orioles
Matusz signed with the Baltimore Orioles in August 2008, beginning his professional career. He quickly made an impression, earning a spot in spring training the following year and playing as a starting pitcher for the Double-A Bowie Baysox. His performance was outstanding, including a game where he struck out 10 batters, which led to his recognition as Baseball America’s ninth-best overall prospect.
Matusz made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers. In his debut, he struck out five batters and allowed only six hits with one earned run. That season, he was named to Baseball America’s All-Rookie Team. His early years in MLB were marked by promise, but injuries and performance inconsistencies later affected his career trajectory.
In 2011, Matusz faced setbacks due to an injury that kept him out for two months. Despite a challenging season, he demonstrated resilience and eventually returned to Triple-A Norfolk to refine his skills. Matusz transitioned to a bullpen role, where he found moderate success in subsequent seasons.
Chicago Cubs and Later Years
In 2016, Matusz signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. Although his performance in the MLB that year was limited to one game, he was part of the Cubs organization during their historic World Series win. Matusz later signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and played in the Mexican League for the Acereros de Monclova before concluding his professional career in the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks.
Career Earnings and Net Worth
Over his MLB career, Matusz accumulated total earnings of $20.3 million. Key contracts included:
- 2009: Signed a four-year deal with the Orioles worth $3.47 million, including a $3.2 million signing bonus.
- 2016: Signed a one-year extension with the Orioles for $3.9 million and a $507,500 contract with the Cubs.
By 2024, his net worth had grown to $10 million, reflecting not only his MLB earnings but also his prudent financial decisions. In 2010, Matusz purchased a 4,500-square-foot home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, for $1.5 million, which he sold in 2020 for $2.2 million, earning a significant profit.
Personal Life and Legacy
Brian Matusz maintained a private personal life, focusing primarily on his baseball career. He was not married and had no children. Known for his approachable personality, Matusz was a cherished teammate and a fan favorite during his time with the Orioles.
Despite his dedication to the sport, Matusz’s career was not without controversy. In 2015, he was suspended for eight games after being caught using a foreign substance during a game against the Miami Marlins. However, this incident did little to overshadow his contributions to the game.
Matusz’s unexpected death on January 7, 2025, shocked the baseball community. While the cause of death remains under investigation, his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, fans, and organizations, including a heartfelt statement from the Baltimore Orioles.
Conclusion
Brian Matusz’s journey from a promising high school athlete to a respected MLB pitcher is a testament to his talent and dedication. With a career that spanned nearly a decade, he left an indelible mark on the teams he played for and the fans who cheered for him. His net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing underscores the success he achieved in his professional endeavors.
While his life was tragically cut short, Brian Matusz’s legacy as a talented pitcher and cherished teammate will be remembered by the baseball community for years to come.