Mata has signed a contract in Japan, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

The Red Sox signed Mata (elbow/lat) to a minor-league contract Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boston non-tendered Mata on Friday after designating him for assignment Tuesday, but the 25-year-old right-hander will stick around with the Red Sox organization. He'll continue to work through his rehab program for right shoulder and elbow soreness, and if he's healthy, he'll have a chance to earn a spot on the Red Sox's major-league roster in spring training.

The Red Sox non-tendered Mata (elbow/lat) on Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mata missed the final three months of the 2024 regular season due to shoulder and elbow soreness. He was designated for assignment by Boston on Tuesday, but the 25-year-old right-hander will now officially enter free agency.

The Red Sox designated Mata (elbow/lat) for assignment Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mata missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury and missed the final three months due to shoulder and elbow soreness and never got surgery, which likely contributed to him getting squeezed off the 40-man roster. He is 25 and hasn't thrown more than 30 innings in a season since he threw 83 innings in 2022. Mata has a career 4.87 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 70 strikeouts in 61 innings at Triple-A and his best path forward is likely as a reliever who can just let it rip with his fastball and slider in short bursts.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Mata (elbow/lat) was pulled off his rehab assignment after experiencing soreness following his Sept. 10 appearance, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The skipper added it's "pretty unlikely" that Mata will pitch for the Red Sox this season. The 25-year-old has been on the injured list all season, first due to a hamstring injury before shoulder, lat and elbow issues cropped up. Mata has embarked on four rehab assignments this year but has been unable to avoid setbacks and other injuries once cleared for game action.

Mata (lat/elbow) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Mata has been on the injured list all season, initially due to a hamstring injury before he experienced shoulder and lat soreness in May during his initial rehab assignment. He resumed his rehab assignment in June, only to suffer another setback when he experienced inflammation in his elbow. After resuming his throwing program and completing a bullpen session at Fenway Park on Monday, Mata is ready to restart his rehab assignment for a third time. He'll likely require multiple appearances in the minors before making his return from the 60-day injured list and potentially making his MLB debut in late September.

Mata (elbow/lat) played catch Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mata was returned from his rehab assignment July 19 due to elbow inflammation and was shut down from throwing temporarily. While he's resumed a throwing program, Mata still appears to be multiple weeks away from returning.

Mata (elbow/lat) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander went down with a hamstring strain in March and has also dealt with shoulder and lat issues since May, so the move to the 60-day IL won't affect his return timeline. However, Mata recently experienced elbow inflammation during his rehab assignment, so he likely won't be back with the Red Sox in the near future.