Bryan Mata: Everything you need to know

Mata has signed a contract in Japan, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports. Mata struggled to a 5.48 ERA and 1.68 WHIP with 93 strikeouts over 67.1 innings with Triple-A Worcester, so he's elected to try his luck elsewhere in 2026. He played at Triple-A in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 but was never tapped to make his big-league debut while in Boston's farm system.

The Red Sox informed Mata on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. After spending the entire 2024 season on Boston's injured list due to hamstring, lat, shoulder and elbow injuries, Mata was non-tendered in November before re-signing with the Red Sox on a minor-league deal. Though he's seemingly emerged from spring training healthy, Mata didn't make much of a run for a spot in the big-league bullpen after giving up six earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over 4.2 innings across his four Grapefruit League appearances. He'll head to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season.

Mata (lat) is scheduled to pitch in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. While battling hamstring, lat, shoulder and elbow issues, Mata spent the entire 2024 season on the Red Sox's injured list. He was able to make 13 rehab appearances across four different affiliates last season, but he was never cleared to make his MLB debut before Boston non-tendered him in November. Mata re-signed with Boston on a minor-league deal and finally looks to be healthy again as he prepares to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday, but the 25-year-old right-hander won't be in contention for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He's instead expected to open the season at Triple-A Worcester, where he could end up making a full-time move to relief due to injuries having sidetracked his development as a starter.