Daniel Zebulon Matthews is putting up incredible numbers in the Minnesota Twins’ farm system this season. Or rather, not putting them up.
Matthews, who wants to be the first Zebby in Major League history, has walked just two hitters in the minors this season. That’s nothing new for the 24-year-old from Cullowhee, North Carolina. He has only issued 17 free passes in 153 2/3 innings as a professional.
Despite measuring 6 feet 5 and weighing 225 pounds, Matthews went largely unnoticed at Western Carolina for three seasons. The Catamounts went only 62-60 throughout that time. Matthews had a good 13-9 record and a 3.49 ERA. In 183 1/3 innings, he struck out 211 yet walked just 30.
Scouts from the Twins took note of this. Minnesota took a shot on him in the eighth round, with the 234th overall pick in the 2022 draft. He received $125,000 to sign.
So far, Minnesota appears to have benefited greatly from this investment. Matthews has an 11-4 record and a 3.10 ERA in 32 professional games, including 28 starts. He has only 128 hits and 173 strikeouts. This season, he struck out 49 batters before walking one.
Joe Trezza of MiLB.com compared it to the best in the majors since the distance between the mound and home plate was adjusted in 1894. He discovered that Corbin Burnes of the 2021 Milwaukee Brewers has the most strikeouts without a walk to start a big-league season, with 58.
