Matt Gage’s Journey: From Minor Leagues to Giants Success

Matt Gage’s path to the Major Leagues has been anything but straightforward. After a challenging start in the Mexican League in 2019, he has returned to the San Francisco Giants, the team that drafted him, and is now enjoying his most successful stint in the big leagues.

In 2019, Gage found himself questioning his abilities. He had just completed two disappointing starts with the **Diablos Rojos** in Mexico City, struggling to find his footing. With an ERA of 29.70 after those games, Gage faced the harsh reality that his baseball career might be nearing its end. “When your back’s against the wall, you need to put up or shut up,” he reflected, highlighting the pressure to perform in a competitive environment.

Despite the rocky start, Gage rebounded. After a conversation with **Miguel Ojeda**, his former manager, he made adjustments to his pitching mechanics. This change, coupled with a switch from starter to reliever, reignited his career. By the end of the season, Gage’s ERA improved to a more respectable 5.57, earning him another year with the Diablos Rojos.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his momentum, but during this pause, Gage made a significant mechanical adjustment. With help from his wife, **Paige Gage**, he altered his pitching style, adopting a higher arm slot that increased his velocity. This change proved effective, as he posted a 3.07 ERA with the **Eastern Reyes del Tigre** and excelled in winter league play.

Gage’s persistence paid off when he caught the attention of a scout for the **Arizona Diamondbacks**. He secured a minor-league contract and eventually made his Major League debut on **June 6, 2022**, with the **Toronto Blue Jays**. In that game against the **Kansas City Royals**, he pitched a scoreless inning, a moment he described as a culmination of his hard work.

After spending time with the **Houston Astros** and later splitting time between the Triple-A affiliates of the **New York Mets** and the **Los Angeles Dodgers**, Gage signed a minor-league deal with the Giants in July 2025. This marked a significant return to the franchise that initially selected him in the **10th round of the 2014 MLB Draft**.

Since joining the Giants, Gage has made an impressive impact. With **Erik Miller** sidelined due to injury, he has stepped up as a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. His performance has been remarkable, beginning with ten consecutive scoreless outings and maintaining a standout **0.82 ERA** over **22 innings**.

For Paige, the emotional highlight came when Gage was named the opener for a game against the **Washington Nationals** on **August 8, 2025**. This moment, standing on the mound for the team that originally drafted him, was a testament to his perseverance and dedication. “I cried during that moment. I was like, ‘This is what you’ve been working for since you got drafted,’” she shared, encapsulating the journey they have both endured.

Gage’s story is a reminder of the resilience needed in professional sports. His journey from uncertainty in Mexico to a significant role with the Giants illustrates the unpredictable nature of a baseball career. As he continues to find success, he exemplifies the spirit of determination that defines many athletes.