‘It’s Such a Difficult Moment for Me.’ – Twins Pitcher Zebby Matthews in Tears as He Announces His Departure
In an emotional and unexpected announcement that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Minnesota Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews revealed that he will be stepping away from baseball indefinitely due to personal reasons. The 24-year-old, who had shown immense promise as a rising star in the Twins’ pitching rotation, choked back tears as he made his decision public in a heartfelt video shared on social media. Matthews’ departure comes as a surprise to fans, teammates, and coaches, leaving many wondering about the personal struggles behind his decision.
“It’s such a difficult moment for me,” Matthews said, his voice cracking with emotion as he spoke directly to his followers. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and I know it’s the right decision for me, even though it’s hard to put into words. I’ve decided to step away from baseball to focus on personal matters that I need to deal with. It’s not something I ever imagined doing, but it’s something I need to do for myself right now.”
Matthews, who was drafted by the Twins in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, had made a name for himself as one of the team’s top young pitching prospects. In 2023, he made a strong debut in the majors, showcasing his impressive fastball and deceptive slider, and quickly earned a spot in the Twins’ starting rotation. Known for his intensity on the mound and his work ethic off it, Matthews was seen as one of the key building blocks for the Twins’ future. His rise in the organization had fans excited about the team’s long-term potential, making his sudden announcement even more heartbreaking.
The reasons behind Matthews’ decision to step away remain largely private, with the pitcher only hinting at personal challenges that have been weighing on him. “This has nothing to do with baseball, and it has everything to do with my health and well-being,” Matthews explained. “Sometimes, we all need to take a step back and reevaluate what’s truly important. I’ve been pushing myself in a way that I can’t keep doing, and it’s time to take care of myself and find a way to move forward.”
His message was met with an outpouring of support from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Twins’ general manager Derek Falvey expressed the team’s full backing of Matthews’ decision, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health. “Zebby is a young man who has shown tremendous promise, and we are all deeply supportive of him as he takes the time he needs,” Falvey said in a statement. “While we will certainly miss his presence on the mound, we fully respect his decision and will be here for him every step of the way. His well-being is our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli also took to social media to share his thoughts. “Zebby is a great teammate and an even better person. We’re all rooting for him and will support him in whatever he needs to do. This is a tough situation for him, but he has the strength to get through it, and we’ll be right behind him.”
Matthews’ departure has raised important conversations within the baseball community about the mental and emotional toll that professional sports can take on athletes. Despite the glamor and fame that often come with being a major league player, the pressure to perform, the physical demands, and the relentless schedule can lead to burnout or personal crises that go unnoticed by the public.
As a player who has openly discussed the pressures of performing at the highest level, Matthews’ decision to take a step back highlights a larger issue in professional sports—athletes are human, and sometimes, they need to prioritize their mental and emotional health above their careers. His decision to speak out so candidly about the challenges he’s facing has been praised by fans and mental health advocates alike, who believe his bravery in taking time for himself may inspire others in similar situations to seek help.
The Twins, who have been dealing with a roster full of both established stars and up-and-coming talent, will now face the challenge of adjusting without one of their most promising young pitchers. Though Matthews’ departure creates a significant hole in their rotation, the team has said they will be looking for ways to move forward without adding additional pressure on his young shoulders.
As Matthews steps away from the game, he has emphasized that his future in baseball remains uncertain. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to thank the fans, my teammates, and everyone in the Twins organization for all the support they’ve shown me,” Matthews said tearfully. “I don’t know when or if I’ll return, but I hope you’ll understand. For now, I need to focus on myself, and I hope to come back stronger, whatever that looks like.”
The baseball world will undoubtedly be rooting for Zebby Matthews, hoping he finds the peace and strength he needs during this difficult time. His journey is far from over, and no matter what happens next, Matthews’ courage in making this tough decision will undoubtedly resonate with fans and athletes across the globe.
