F/F SPOTLIGHT: Matt Boyd

Matt Boyd (LHP, DET) was selected in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, following a four-year stint at Oregon State University. He ascended pretty quickly through the minors, despite never appearing on top prospect lists, making his MLB debut with Toronto on June 27, 2015. He was then traded to the Detroit Tigers a month later as part of a package that brought David Price to Toronto. At that time, Boyd was widely viewed as a potential back-end rotation piece or middle reliever, as none of his pitches graded out as plus and there was concern about his delivery and extreme fly ball tendencies.

Those concerns were validated in his first taste of MLB action, as he struggled mightily, posting a 7.53 ERA...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Facts & Flukes

What is going on with Tatis Jr.? Plus, Jesús Luzardo, Otto Lopez, Randy Vásquez, and Liam Hicks.
May 6 2026 3:07am
Mike Trout has turned back the clock and is looking like peak Trout in the early going. Plus, Trevor Story, Josh Jung, Taj Bradley, and Noah Cameron.
May 4 2026 3:06am
Our first in-season AL Facts/Flukes looks at a mix of slow starters and hot risers.
Apr 30 2026 3:06am
Jordan Walker has hit seven HR in April. Also: Braxton Ashcraft, Andy Pages, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Michael Busch.
Apr 28 2026 3:06am
Jacob deGrom looked the part of an ace again. Is he? Plus Alec Burleson, Bryce Miller, Tyler O'Neill, and Evan Carter.
Mar 29 2026 3:07am

Tools