Isaac Mattson

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Isaac Mattson

| image =

| team = Pittsburgh Pirates

| number = 72

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|7|14}}

| birth_place = Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 7

| debutyear = 2021

| debutteam = Baltimore Orioles

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = June 12, 2025

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 1–0

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 3.63

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 18

| teams =

Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2021}})
Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2024}}–present)

}}

Isaac Gerald Mattson (born July 14, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles.

Amateur career

Mattson attended Harbor Creek High School in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, where he played both baseball and basketball. In 2014, his senior year, he went 6–0 with a 0.67 ERA along with batting .531.{{cite news|url=https://www.capecodtimes.com/sports/20160728/cape-league-extra-pitts-isaac-mattson-is-reliable-reliever-for-chatham|title=Cape League Extra: Pitt's Isaac Mattson is reliable reliever for Chatham|newspaper=Cape Cod Times|access-date=May 22, 2019}} He was not drafted out of high school in the 2014 Major League Baseball draft and enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh where he played college baseball.

In 2015, as a freshman at Pitt, Mattson appeared in 22 games, going 1–1 with a 3.82 ERA, and in 2016, his sophomore season, he pitched 34 innings in relief, compiling a 2–0 record with a 3.71 ERA. After his sophomore year, he played for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named an all-star.{{cite web|url=http://www.exploreclarion.com/2016/07/20/pitts-mattson-selected-to-cape-cod-baseball-league-all-star-game/|title=Pitt's Mattson Selected to Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game|date=20 July 2016|publisher=Explore Clarion|access-date=May 22, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=891455&seasonid=29795 |title=#44 Isaac Mattson |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}} In 2017, as a junior, he pitched 31 innings out of the bullpen, going 1–0 with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 41.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourerie.com/sports/harbor-creeks-mattson-taken-in-mlb-draft/741768461/|title = Harbor Creek's Mattson Taken in MLB Draft| work=WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com |date = 15 June 2017}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Angels=

After the season, Mattson was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 19th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/sports/20170614/angels-select-harbor-creek-grad-isaac-mattson-in-mlb-draft#|title=Angels select Harbor Creek grad Isaac Mattson in MLB draft|publisher=GoErie.com|access-date=May 22, 2019 |last1=Dudley |first1=John }}

After signing, Mattson made his professional debut with the Arizona League Angels before being promoted to the Orem Owlz, where he was named an All-Star.{{cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/sports/20170828/harbor-creek-grad-mattson-named-to-pioneer-league-all-star-team?template=ampart|title=Harbor Creek grad Mattson named to Pioneer League all-star team|publisher=GoErie.com|access-date=May 22, 2019}} In {{fraction|31|1|3}} innings between the two clubs, he went 1–0 with a 1.44 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehawkeye.com/sports/20180404/let-games-begin|title=Let the games begin|work=The Hawk Eye Newspaper |access-date=May 22, 2019 |last1=Bohnenkamp |first1=John }} In 2018, he played for the Burlington Bees and the Inland Empire 66ers, going 7–4 with a 3.82 ERA in 25 games (11 starts),{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=676755#/career/R/pitching/2019/ALL|title=Isaac Mattson Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=May 22, 2019}} and in 2019, he began the year with the 66ers before being promoted to the Mobile BayBears in May.{{cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/sports/20190513/mattson-moves-up-in-angels-system|title=Mattson moves up in Angels system|publisher=GoErie.com|access-date=May 22, 2019}} In August, he was promoted to the Salt Lake Bees. Over 37 relief appearances between the three clubs, Mattson pitched to a 6–3 record with a 2.33 ERA, striking out 110 over {{fraction|73|1|3}} innings. He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox following the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2019-arizona-fall-league-rosters-announced/|title=2019 Arizona Fall League Rosters Announced|first=Josh|last=Norris|website=www.baseballamerica.com|date=28 August 2019 }}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On December 4, 2019, Mattson (alongside Zach Peek, Kyle Bradish, and Kyle Brnovich) was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Dylan Bundy.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28226201/angels-trade-orioles-rhp-dylan-bundy|title=Angels trade for Orioles RHP Dylan Bundy|website=ESPN.com|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=December 4, 2019}} He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/06/2020-minor-league-season-will-be-canceled.html|title=2020 Minor League Season Canceled|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=30 June 2020 }}

On November 20, 2020, Mattson was added to the 40-man roster.{{cite web|author=Anthony Franco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/orioles-designate-renato-nunez-for-assignment.html |title=Orioles Designate Renato Nunez For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2020-11-20 |accessdate=2021-05-02}} On May 3, 2021, Mattson was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.{{Cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/|title=Major League Baseball Transactions|website=Major League Baseball}} Mattson made his major league debut on May 7, pitching 2/3 of an inning and allowing one run on a Marwin González RBI double.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/2021/05/08/harbor-creek-graduate-mattson-makes-major-league-baseball-debut/5002016001/|title=Harbor Creek graduate Mattson makes Major League Baseball debut with Orioles|first=Tom|last=Reisenweber|website=GoErie.com}}

He was optioned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides the following day. On June 30, Mattson was recalled by the Orioles.{{cite web|author=Mark Polishuk |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/orioles-make-five-roster-moves.html |title=Orioles Make Five Roster Moves |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2021-06-30 |accessdate=2021-06-30}} He recorded his first career strikeout on July 3, striking out Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/2021/07/04/baltimore-orioles-angel-harbor-creek-grad-isaac-mattson-pitches-scoreless-inning-gets-ohtani-out/7858413002/|title = Harbor Creek grad Mattson has scoreless outing for Orioles, gets Ohtani out}} Over 4 appearances for the Orioles in 2021, Matson posted a 6.23 ERA with 3 strikeouts.

On April 8, 2022, Mattson was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/04/orioles-outright-isaac-mattson.html|title = Orioles Outright Isaac Mattson|last=Franco|first=Anthony|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022}} On July 18, the Orioles released Mattson from the organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/isaac-mattson-times-up-in-baltimore-organization/ | title=Isaac Mattson: Time's up in Baltimore organization | date=19 July 2022 }}

=Washington Wild Things=

On August 6, 2022, Mattson signed with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League. He made 12 appearances for Washington, recording a 2.40 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched. On December 5, Mattson was released by the Wild Things after having his contract option declined.{{cite web | url=https://www.frontierleague.com/information/Transactions/index | title=2022 Transactions – Frontier League }}

=Southern Maryland Blue Crabs=

On March 31, 2023, Mattson signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Southern Maryland Blue Crabs add three former MLB prospects to roster for 15th anniversary season|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/southern-maryland-blue-crabs-add-three-former-mlb-prospects-to-roster-for-15th-anniversary-season/ar-AA19jGeH|access-date=2023-04-13|website=msn.com|language=en}} In 18 appearances for the Blue Crabs, Mattson logged a 3.32 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 3 saves in 19 innings pitched.

=Minnesota Twins=

On June 22, 2023, Mattson signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/transactions/2023/06/22 | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com }} In 21 appearances for the Double–A Wichita Wind Surge, he registered a 3.62 ERA with 42 strikeouts across {{fraction|32|1|3}} innings of work. Mattson elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=December 20, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=8 November 2023 |language=en}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On December 11, 2023, Mattson signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{Cite web|title=Pirates' Isaac Mattson: Heads to Pirates on MiLB deal|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-isaac-mattson-heads-to-pirates-on-milb-deal/|access-date=December 20, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=20 December 2023 |language=en}} He began 2024 with the Double–A Altoona Curve, and was later promoted to the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, compiling a 7–2 record and 3.17 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 37 total games. On September 19, 2024, the Pirates selected Mattson's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Designate Jake Woodford For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/pirates-designate-jake-woodford-for-assignment-2.html|access-date=September 19, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 3 games for Pittsburgh, he posted a 5.06 ERA with 6 strikeouts over {{fraction|5|1|3}} innings pitched. On November 4, Mattson was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Indianapolis.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/pirates-decline-option-on-marco-gonzales.html | title=Pirates Decline Option on Marco Gonzales | date=November 4, 2024 }} He elected free agency the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}

On November 18, 2024, Mattson re–signed with the Pirates on a minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Re-Sign Isaac Mattson To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/pirates-re-sign-isaac-mattson-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=December 5, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 5, 2024 |language=en}} He began the 2025 campaign with Indianapolis, posting a 2.50 ERA with 22 strikeouts and four saves in his first 16 outings. On May 20, 2025, the Pirates selected Mattson's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Select Isaac Mattson|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/pirates-select-isaac-mattson.html|access-date=May 20, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 20, 2025 |language=en}}

Personal life

Mattson was born to parents Edward and Debra, and was raised with seven siblings.{{Cite web|url=https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaac-mattson/53|title=Isaac Mattson - Baseball|website=Pitt Panthers #H2P}} His mother, Debra, died by suicide in July 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2024/05/23/indianapolis-indians-mlb-prospects-mental-health-awareness-month/stories/202405200088|title=How tragedy helped Pirates minor leaguer Isaac Mattson approach baseball, life in a different way|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123041437/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2024/05/23/indianapolis-indians-mlb-prospects-mental-health-awareness-month/stories/202405200088 |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |date=May 23, 2024}}

He married his wife, Devin, in November 2022.{{Cite Instagram |postid=Ck7Ak_RrsUH|user=i_mattson|title=I got you for the rest of my days|date=2022-11-13}} Their first child was born in February 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/05/26/mattson-pitt-reliever-struggles-promotion/stories/202505250077|title=Personal, professional struggles behind him, Isaac Mattson returns to big leagues with confidence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527211020/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2025/05/26/mattson-pitt-reliever-struggles-promotion/stories/202505250077 |archive-date=May 27, 2025|date=May 26, 2025}}