Zebby Matthews' Command Has Him on a Meteoric Minor League Run

[Theodore Tollefson]

Zebby Matthews has become one of the better-known prospects in the Twins Minor League System in 2024. He's made it from High-A Cedar Rapids to Triple-A St. Paul in just two and half months and will have more opportunities for Twins fans to see him up close and personal before he makes his last step to the big leagues. 

Image courtesy of Tim Grubbs, Wichita Wind Surge

ST. PAUL– Things have been moving very quickly this season for Twins right-handed prospect Daniel Zebulon Matthews, better known as Zebby Matthews . 

The 24-year-old has jumped from High-A Cedar Rapids to Triple-A St. Paul in a matter of two and a half months. His rise through the system has been a surprise to some, but when you look at his strikeout-to-walk numbers, it makes sense why he’s where he is today. 

“Any department in the org you talk to, they know Zebby works his butt off, and it shows a lot,” says Cedar Rapids pitching coach Jonas Lovin. 

Matthews himself is modest about his quick jump through the Twins' minor league system this season. It’s been an unexpected journey to make it this fast from high-A to triple-A, but he’s not overthinking the call-up.

“I didn’t think much about it, to be honest,” said Matthews. “I just show up to the field and try to do my job to the best of my ability and let the results and everything else take care of themselves. It’s awesome to be here. Everyone’s goals are completely different, but for me, it’s just another step along the journey.”

The results certainly have taken care of themselves this year. Between the three levels he’s pitched, Matthews has compiled a 1.95 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, a .188 opponent batting average, and an insanely high 16+ strikeout-to-walk ratio in 83 innings of work across 15 games. 

The numbers he’s posted on the mound have garnered a lot of attention within the Twins organization and by fans. Saints Manager Toby Gardenhire had not seen him pitch until his first start with the team on Sunday, July 21. He was impressed, to say the least.

“He’s throwing in the upper 90s with his fastball and his cutter’s one that he’s throwing low-to-mid 90s,” said Gardenhire. “He’s got a really good breaking ball he throws it really good over the plate so it’s a pretty good recipe for good pitching. If he can do all that stuff like we saw the other day, he’s going to be really good.” 

Matthews worked hard to improve his off-speed pitches this off-season. Matthews was by no means bad for the Cedar Rapids Kernels last year, but he had room for improvement. He had a 4.59 ERA in 66 ⅔ innings and allowed 13 home runs in high-A. 

The home run issue has been fixed, as he has only allowed four this year. So have the off-speed pitches, but Matthews admits he still has room for growth with those. 

“They’re still a work in progress, fine-tuning those and trying to make them better and be more comfortable throwing the changeup, that was another big piece for me. I’m still working on that but being able to throw that to lefties and righties has been a big step. The velocity jump has also been a big help there,” Matthews said.  

Once Matthews arrived in Spring Training and got to work with his off-speed tweaks with Lovin, they were able to hone in on what would work best for him. 

“He had a couple of outings in Spring Training against tough competition where those pitches played really well. You never really know until you get in season how that stuff is going to work and it seemed like it clicked pretty well for him. It’s honestly been a big separator for him this year, adding that new slider and improving the cutter a little bit,” said Lovin.  

As the season has progressed, Matthews has become much more comfortable using off-speed pitches in counts in which he falls behind. They may not be noticeable to the average fan’s naked eye when he’s jumping through the system so quickly, but he feels the difference each time he’s on the mound and shows off his impeccable command. 

“I think all the off-speed pitches, I think I have the ability to get them all in zone. Some like the cutter, slider, and curveball are a little better but I think a lot of it is just the confidence piece and trusting that throwing in the zone and still good enough to get guys out,” said Matthews. 

The command of the strike zone has always been there for Matthews since he learned how to pick up and throw a baseball. It’s a rare feat to have at such a young age, but it’s stuck with him as he’s struck out 97 hitters this year and only walked six. 

“I think a lot of it comes from the mechanics' side, like having repeatable mechanics, having a good feel for the ball out of my hand, it definitely has a factor in it. But then also I think it’s a big confidence piece of trusting my stuff, whether I throw it in the zone or out, it’s good enough to get guys out. I think it’s a combination of those things,” Matthews said.

While Lovin hasn’t seen him pitch since May 3 as Matthews was called up to Double-A Wichita two days later, he knows Matthews is putting in all the work he needs to and some more, to keep rising through the system. 

“He’s genuinely one of the most hardest-working players that I have ever coached. He holds himself to a high standard, is constantly looking for ways to make himself better, whether that’s on the mound or the weight room,” Lovin said. 

Off the field, Matthews receives a lot of support from his family. His parents and brother were able to make it to his first Triple-A start Sunday in Toledo. They had seen a few out in Wichita, but the drive was much shorter to Ohio from his hometown Cullowhee, North Carolina than it was out to Kansas and other cities in the Texas League. 

“They wanted to make it out to the first one. It was the closest I’ll be to home, so they definitely wanted to make the drive up there,” Matthews said. 

But it’s not just his parents and brothers showing up as often as they can to support him for his starts. He will still have some family in the stands for his CHS Field debut this weekend as his wife, Kendall, will be in the stands to see him on the mound. Kendall Matthews is still in school becoming a physical assistant making it hard to get to every one of her husband’s starts, but does her best to make it as often as she can. 

“I’m newly married, November 11 last year, but it’s been awesome. She’s helped tremendously. You know, through all the ups and downs she’s been there. She’s known me since high school. She’s seen me grow, struggle, fail, succeed, all that sort of stuff. She keeps me level-headed and where I need to be,” said Matthews. 

Despite all the quick changes Matthews has gone through this year, it’s been all for the better for him. And while he has moved on from working with coaches like Lovin, Lovin himself knows that Matthews will continue to rise to each challenge that is brought his way.

“I am hoping for the best for him in Triple-A as well. I’m sure there will be new challenges that arise, but that’s the fun part of this job and the fun part about baseball. A lot of times when you have these quick moments of success, that can get to your head a little bit, but that’s not Zebby,” added Lovin. 

Matthews is set to make his next start for the Saints on Saturday against the Omaha Storm Chasers.

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[Karbo]

Pretty impressive numbers. Looks like a future 2-3 starter if he can keep it up!

[AlwaysinModeration]

Keith Law published his post-draft Top 60 Prospects list on Thursday, and Zebby is #60 on the list.  Here’s his write-up in the Athletic:

 

Matthews was an eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina, but since then he’s added more than a grade of velocity while actually improving his control. He sits 94-95 now, topping out at 97. Matthews has a slider, cutter, curveball and occasional changeup, nothing clearly plus but everything playing up because he throws so many strikes — he didn’t walk a batter until his seventh start of the season, going over 125 batters without a walk — and because he’s got an extremely short arm action that adds some deception. I don’t love the delivery, but I wouldn’t change it until it causes a problem.

[1985Fan]

This is a pitcher they need to hang onto. If they’re going to develop their own #1 ace, this guy is it. They’re not going to bring in a #1 from outside via trade or FA, so hang onto Zebby and see what he can do next year. He could even get a few innings with the Twins this year if they’re unable to bring in aSP at the deadline. Will be exciting to watch him pitch! 

[Doctor Gast]

Good article, Theodore. 

 "Lovin himself knows that Matthews will continue to rise to each challenge that is brought his way."

"Lovin himself" is the key. (Sorry for the pun, I couldn't resist.) 🤭

[Hrbeks Divot]

This is the kind of content that I really enjoy from TD. It’s great to follow the minor leaguers as they progress though the system. Watching the success that Matthews is having in rising through the system via these stories is great. Thanks TD!

[tony&rodney]

I'm hoping to watch Matthews pitch tonight. He looks like a pitcher who can roll through a lineup. The command and control, the physical makeup, the variety of pitches, the good velocity, and the odd short delivery make him a tough at bat. Zebby has been fun to watch as he goes through the system. His consistency this year really shot him up the rankings.

The Twins have to be pretty pleased with how their minor league starting pitchers have grown. Festa, Matthews, and Morris are having really good seasons. Varland seems to have made some positive growth recently. Raya pitched well last night. There are others as well, with Connor Prielipp back on the mound too. Added to the emergence of Simeon Woods Richardson, the Twins look to be in a good spot for starting pitchers.

[mikelink45]

Thanks for the videos.  He seems to have such a compact movement that it gives me hope he can avoid the dreaded TJ!  I am anxious to see his next steps.  For me he is next man up. 

[LambchoP]

Twins finally reading the rewards of this pitching pipeline we've been promised over the years. Both Zebby and Morris look like potential front line starters. We need to hang on to both of them and keep them healthy. Mathews could even compete for a rotation spot with Festa next year. Moving Paddack and Varland to the bullpen seems inevitable. We still have a good rotation of 

Lopez

Ryan

Ober

SWR

Competition for number 5 spot between Festa and Zebby. Maybe Morris eventually. Possible free agent signing on a short one or two year deal.

[TopGunn#22]

I agree with mikelink45!  Thanks for all the video.  It really helps you see his stuff.  Anyone that consistently throws mid 90's and can hit 97-98 has a major league fastball.  What impressed me was the sharp break and movement of his slider and curveball.  

Even with MLB making $5-$15 million dollars available to about 8 teams (the Twins being one of them) with the stipulation that the money cannot be pocketed by ownership, it must be spent to improve the ballclub, I just don't see the Pohlad's taking advantage of this.  It's possible we see Matthews up sometime in August as opposed to a high profile trade.

The big difference between Matthews and, say, Festa or Varland is command.  That walk rate is IMPRESSIVE.  Maybe 2 more starts for St. Paul and he's part of the big league club.  The development of Matthews may make Varland becoming a bullpen piece a certainty.  

[GKuehl]

The rise of Zebby, Festa, and Andrew Morris--along with Marco Raya, CJ Culpepper, and Cory Lewis--could make Paddack a prime trade candidate either this year at the deadline or next off-season. Slated to make $7.5 million next year, Paddack feels like an expendable piece for the Twins that another team could be willing to trade a Top 20 prospect for, considering Paddack has some untapped upside if he can remain healthy for a full season. 

[bean5302]

Matthews and Morris are looking great. I think Zebby has to be a no-doubter top 100 guy at this point. Certainly ahead of Festa IMHO. Varland shouldn't be viewed as a starter anymore. I'd love to see Matthews at the MLB level over Festa, but going into the postseason without an ace hoping a guy like Matthews could be that out of the gate is foolhardy. 

[mnfireman]

Time for the Twins to start using some of their higher ceiling SP prospects as RP in the majors for their initial call-up. It limits their innings, puts them in situations to succeed and allows them to work with the big league club. Several teams have used this formula successfully.

[Ruven]

Not at all what I expected. I heard 6’5” and rising fast through the system and my mind leaped to the thought we had another bean pole like Gibson (6’6” 200) or Festa (6’5” 185), but Zebby is 6’5” 225 and built more like Verlander (6’5” 235). 
 

Good. Nothing against bean poles, but we haven’t seen a real power pitcher around here since early Erickson (6’4” 220). Looking forward to Zebby’s arrival. 

[HerbieFan]

Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR are all under contract in 2025.  Kids like this are the reason the FO isn't looking to add a pitcher at the deadline that would be on the payroll next year.

[Thebigalguy]

Wouldn't be surprised to see him called up this year.

[gman]

With the guys already mentioned, I don't see a reason to trade for a starter for this season and certainly not going forward. At this time of year you give up more than you get and you take a job away from a pitcher. you already have.

Yes anybody you plug into that 5th slot will have OJT, but so what. Long term that's what will make these guys a World Series contender. Not constantly giving up good prospects for short term rentals that might only bring a possible 3-4 more wins this year and make no difference in the playoffs.

 

[BH67]

1 hour ago, gman said:

With the guys already mentioned, I don't see a reason to trade for a starter for this season and certainly not going forward. At this time of year you give up more than you get and you take a job away from a pitcher. you already have.

Yes anybody you plug into that 5th slot will have OJT, but so what. Long term that's what will make these guys a World Series contender. Not constantly giving up good prospects for short term rentals that might only bring a possible 3-4 more wins this year and make no difference in the playoffs.

 

The caveat is that this won't make them a World Series contender for 2024. I agree fully with the reasoning but still want an established ace for this autumn only -- and there's surplus talent in the farm system now that a genuine ace should be attainable without impairing the Twins' future strategy.

[DocBauer]

He's very exciting to be sure. The only issue I've heard speculated...similar to Festa as well...is maybe he's too much in the strike zone and he needs to play a little more on the edges to be successful at the ML level?  Not  saying that's 100%, just something I've read  somewhere. I  love his build, his velocity, the little bit of deception he's got, and having a mix of solid pitches. Imagine how  good he might end up being if none of those other 4 offers aren't fully plus yet, but will be a year from now?

To be fair, if he wasn't having such a tremendous season, Morris would be getting  a lot more ink. His season is only trailing that of Matthews  to a very small degree. And the recently returned Cory Lewis was the Twins MILB pitcher of the year in 2023  with numbers not far off from what Morris is doing this season. 

Love to see Morris up at St Paul before the year is done to join Matthews and Festa. There's  a lot of exciting things happen in the Twins system on the mound these days.

[JD-TWINS]

9 hours ago, GKuehl said:

The rise of Zebby, Festa, and Andrew Morris--along with Marco Raya, CJ Culpepper, and Cory Lewis--could make Paddack a prime trade candidate either this year at the deadline or next off-season. Slated to make $7.5 million next year, Paddack feels like an expendable piece for the Twins that another team could be willing to trade a Top 20 prospect for, considering Paddack has some untapped upside if he can remain healthy for a full season. 

Can’t trade Paddack this year but off season is reasonable. ……the other guys have no experience this year, yet, and the real issue is Paddack is currently hurt so his value is low relative to this coming off season.

If we can scrape together 8-10 starts from Festa & maybe Varland & Matthews……..Team can keep Paddack fresh for Bullpen use back half of September & October.

[bean5302]

5 hours ago, DocBauer said:

...The only issue I've heard speculated...similar to Festa as well...is maybe he's too much in the strike zone and he needs to play a little more on the edges to be successful at the ML level?...

Are you talking about Festa's two starts where he was obviously desperately trying to avoid walks? Festa hasn't had a BB/9 below 3.71 in the high minors. The issue with Festa is he doesn't have control over his pitches so if he really wants to avoid a walk, he has to aim his pitch too deep into the strike zone to be sure it doesn't miss wide.

Matthews supposedly has the control necessary to aim exactly where he wants to deliver the pitch, and be close to his specific target, more like Greg Maddux's philosophy of pitch placement. There have been other Twins pitchers in the past who focused on pinpoint control like Kevin Slowey, but Slowey lived on mediocre stuff which had to hit the exact spots. Matthews is a 5 pitch pitcher throwing upper 90s, plus tight control. Getting K's without BB's and without allowing runs means Matthews is putting the ball where it needs to be placed, and his stuff should be at least solid.

The real question about Matthews is just how good his stuff actually is. Scouting reports are a bit mixed, as expected since he hasn't honestly been a big name until just recently.
MLB & Fangraphs
Fastball = 55 & 55
Cutter = 55 & N/A
Slider* = 45 & 60
Curve = 40 & N/A
Changeup = 40 & 40
*also called sweeper
80 is ultra elite
70 is plus-plus
60 is a bone fide plus
50 is MLB average
40 is below average
30 is AAA caliber