Brian Matusz, former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs pitcher, dies at 37

Brian Matusz, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs during his MLB career, has died. He was 37 years old.

The Orioles selected Matusz with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, and he made his major league debut in August 2009. He began his career as a starter, but later transitioned to the bullpen, which is where he made his mark in Baltimore from 2009-16.

Matusz totaled a 27-41 record during his career, which included one game with the Cubs in 2016 after signing a minor league contract. He also had a career 4.92 ERA, and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2010. That year, he went 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA and 143 strikeouts, which led the Orioles.

We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Major League pitcher Brian Matusz.

Matusz, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, spent a majority of his eight seasons with the Orioles. He won his Major League debut on August 4, 2009, as he gave up just one run in… pic.twitter.com/40nxZP7KDG

— MLB (@MLB) January 8, 2025

“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said in a statement. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face. Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

Matusz turned in his best season in 2014 when he had a 3.48 ERA and 53 strikeouts. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016, and they designated him for assignment shortly thereafter. That led him to Chicago, where he transitioned back to a starting role and made a spot start in July 2016 – his lone appearance. That proved to be the last game of his career, and even though he only played in one game with the Cubs, he still got a World Series ring when they ended their 108-year drought.

Before he arrived in Baltimore, Matusz was selected by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2005 MLB Draft, but he opted to go to college. He starred at the University of San Diego, where he was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award twice as he became the program’s all-time leader in strikeouts. He ended his career by winning the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year award in 2008.