View source for Jeff Mathis

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1983)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name         = Jeff Mathis
| image        = Jeff Mathis (48104075228) (cropped).jpg
| image_size   = 250
| caption      = Mathis with the Texas Rangers in 2019
| position     = [[Catcher]]
| bats         = Right
| throws       = Right
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1983|3|31}}
| birth_place  = [[Marianna, Florida]], U.S.
| debutleague  = MLB
| debutdate    = August 12
| debutyear    = 2005
| debutteam    = Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
| finalleague  = MLB
| finaldate    = May 17
| finalyear    = 2021
| finalteam    = Atlanta Braves
| statleague   = MLB
| stat1label   = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value   = .194
| stat3label   = [[Home run]]s
| stat3value   = 53
| stat4label   = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat4value   = 286
| teams        =
* [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] ({{mlby|2005}}–{{mlby|2011}})
* [[Toronto Blue Jays]] ({{mlby|2012}})
* [[Miami Marlins]] ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2016}})
* [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2020}})
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2021}})
}}

'''Jeffrey Stephen Mathis''' (born March 31, 1983) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[catcher]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], [[Toronto Blue Jays]], [[Miami Marlins]], [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[Atlanta Braves]].

==Early life and education==
Mathis was born and raised in [[Marianna, Florida]],<ref name=Blustein>{{cite web|title=A Rising Angel: Catcher Jeff Mathis|url=https://247sports.com/high-school/florida/Article/A-RISING-ANGEL-Catcher-Jeff-Mathis-104191580/|work=[[247Sports]]|author=Blustein, Larry|date=April 20, 2005|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124201813/https://247sports.com/high-school/florida/Article/A-RISING-ANGEL-Catcher-Jeff-Mathis-104191580/|archive-date=January 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> the son of Danny and Bunnee Mathis.<ref name=sid>{{cite web|url=http://www.jacksoncountytimes.net/community/item/4330-jeff-mathis-starts-9th-year-as-a-major-league-catcher.html|title=Jeff Mathis Starts 9th Year As A Major League Catcher|first=Sid|last=Riley|date=March 13, 2014|access-date=May 21, 2016|work=Jackson County Times}}</ref> He has one brother, Jake Mathis, who played in the minor leagues from 2002-2003 for the Angels.<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mathis001jac</ref>

At [[Marianna High School]], Mathis played both [[American football|football]] and [[baseball]], winning four district titles and a regional title.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} He also appeared in the 1999 state title game in baseball,<ref>{{cite web|title=Major leaguers Mathis, Mader share hometown pride|url=https://dothaneagle.com/jcfloridan/sports/major-leaguers-mathis-mader-share-hometown-pride/article_3a52f75c-c5ca-5e7d-bb47-b3504e9085b2.html|work=[[Dothan Eagle]]|author=Rosa, Rolando|date=February 13, 2015|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124201108/https://dothaneagle.com/jcfloridan/sports/major-leaguers-mathis-mader-share-hometown-pride/article_3a52f75c-c5ca-5e7d-bb47-b3504e9085b2.html|archive-date=January 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> along with the state championship game in football in 2000.<ref name=Blustein />

After his playing career concluded, the Jackson County School Board renamed the road leading up to Marianna High School's baseball field in Mathis's honor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mims |first1=Courtney |title=Marianna to name road leading to baseball field after MLB catcher Jeff Mathis |url=https://www.mypanhandle.com/sports/local-sports/marianna-to-name-road-leading-to-baseball-field-after-mlb-catcher-jeff-mathis/ |access-date=6 June 2024 |agency=MyPanhandle.com |publisher=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |date=21 January 2022}}</ref>

==Professional career==
===Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim===
Mathis was [[draft (sports)|drafted]] in the first round by the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] out of high school in [[2001 Major League Baseball Draft|2001]], which he accepted in lieu of attending [[Florida State University]].<ref name=Blustein /> He quickly moved up the ranks, and by 2005, he was with the [[Salt Lake Bees]] at the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] level. In 2005, he had a .276 [[Batting average (baseball)|batting average]] with 21 [[home run]]s across 111 games.<ref name=BRMinor>{{cite web|title=Jeff Mathis Minor Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mathis001jef|work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref> Noted for his defensive skills, he also earned the Angels' minor league Defensive Player of the Year award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Angels look like playoff contender|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2006/09/29/angels-look-like-playoff-contender/|work=[[Orange County Register]]|author=Balderas, Al|date=September 29, 2006|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131040745/https://www.ocregister.com/2006/09/29/angels-look-like-playoff-contender/|archive-date=January 31, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the 2005 season, the Angels declined to pursue the return of their [[free agent]] starting catcher, [[Bengie Molina]], allowing Mathis to take Molina's spot.<ref name=LATough>{{cite web|title=It's Tough for Mathis to Mask His Excitement|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-feb-22-sp-angels22-story.html|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|author=Digiovanna, Mike|date=February 22, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124203438/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-feb-22-sp-angels22-story.html|archive-date=January 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Major leagues====
[[File:Jeff Mathis on July 22, 2011.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Mathis playing for the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] in 2011]]
After a solid 2006 [[spring training]], Mathis was expected to see substantial playing time at catcher, sharing the position with [[José Molina (baseball)|José Molina]].<ref name=LATough /> However, once the regular season began, he struggled greatly on both defense and offense. The Angels demoted him back to the [[minor leagues]] about one month into the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Time Will Tell if Mathis Is Back on Fast Track|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-02-sp-angrep2-story.html|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|author=Digiovanna, Mike|date=September 2, 2006|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202031147/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-02-sp-angrep2-story.html|archive-date=February 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Mathis was replaced on the Angels roster by catcher [[Mike Napoli]], who later became a very offensive-minded catcher that transitioned to being a [[first baseman]] and [[designated hitter]] for his offensive prowess.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=What is he really worth?: Mike Napoli|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2013/11/25/what-is-he-really-worth-mike-napoli|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|author=Jaffe, Jay|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202030329/https://www.si.com/mlb/2013/11/25/what-is-he-really-worth-mike-napoli|archive-date=February 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later recalled back to the majors on September 1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Angels recall Erstad from DL|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2006/09/01/angels-recall-erstad-from-dl/|work=[[Orange County Register]]|date=September 1, 2006|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202174615/https://www.ocregister.com/2006/09/01/angels-recall-erstad-from-dl/|archive-date=February 2, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall in 2006 he played 23 games, having a .145 batting average and collecting 8 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] with 2 [[Double (baseball)|doubles]] and 2 home runs.<ref name=BRStats>{{cite web|title=Jeff Mathis Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mathije01.shtml|work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|access-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref>

Mathis entered the 2007 season fighting for the two catcher positions with Mike Napoli and José Molina.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Halo holding pattern|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2007/02/14/a-halo-holding-pattern/|work=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|date=February 14, 2007|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205023616/https://www.dailynews.com/2007/02/14/a-halo-holding-pattern/|archive-date=February 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He would end up being sent back to the minors with the Salt Lake Bees.<ref>{{cite web|title=Angels announce 2007 Opening Day roster|url=http://www.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/ana/y2007/m04/d01/c1873316.jsp|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=April 1, 2007|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205024720/http://www.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/ana/y2007/m04/d01/c1873316.jsp|archive-date=February 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In the beginning of July, Napoli sustained a high ankle sprain, making the Angels recall Mathis to the majors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Napoli is put on the disabled list|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-03-sp-angrep3-story.html|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|author=Digiovanna, Mike|date=July 3, 2007|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205034926/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-03-sp-angrep3-story.html|archive-date=February 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his first season start on July 4 against the [[2007 Texas Rangers season|Texas Rangers]].<ref name=2007Games>{{cite web|title=2007 Games Jeff Mathis Log|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mathije01&t=b&year=2007|work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> He went 0 for 2, [[Ground out (baseball)|ground]] and [[In flight|flying out]] in a 2–4 loss.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers July 4, 2007 Box Score|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200707040.shtml|work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> On July 21, Molina was traded to the [[New York Yankees]], making Napoli and Mathis hold the two catcher positions for the rest of the season. The trade also indicated the Angels’ confidence in Mathis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Molina traded to Yankees for minor leaguer|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-22-sp-angrep22-story.html|author=Ben, Bolch|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 22, 2007|access-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223151436/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-22-sp-angrep22-story.html|archive-date=February 23, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall in 2007, Mathis played in 59 games, accumulating 36 hits, with 12 doubles and 4 home runs while accruing a .211 batting average.<ref name=BRStats />

On July 23, 2008, Mathis had 4 hits and 6 [[Run batted in|RBI]] (the highest in a single game for both categories that season) in a 11–14 win against the [[Cleveland Indians]]. Mathis noted that his team's pitcher, [[John Lackey]], "obviously didn't have his best stuff today, but he kept battling through it... and luckily we were able to put some [[Run (baseball)|runs]] on the board for him."<ref>{{cite web|title=Mathis, Kotchman, Kendrick help Angels pad AL West lead|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280723103|work=[[ESPN]]|date=July 23, 2008|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127031435/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280723103|archive-date=January 27, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Overall in 2008, Mathis played in 94 games, the most in a single season. However, he had a [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] of .194, below the [[Mendoza Line]].<ref name=BRStats />

In game 3 of the [[2009 American League Championship Series]], Mathis hit an 11th-inning [[Walk-off home run|walk-off]] RBI [[Double (baseball)|double]], defeating the [[New York Yankees]] 5–4.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mathis' double gives Angels an 11-inning victory|url=https://www.theledger.com/news/20091020/mathis-double-gives-angels-an-11-inning-victory|work=[[The Ledger]]|author=Beacham, Greg|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127033131/https://www.theledger.com/news/20091020/mathis-double-gives-angels-an-11-inning-victory|archive-date=January 27, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of his poor regular season stats (.211 batting average), he used his strong playoff offensive performance and excellent defensive skill to bolster his case for a raise to $1.3 million, beating the Angels management in [[Major League Baseball transactions#Free agency and salary arbitration|arbitration]].<ref name=arb>{{cite news|title=Angels' Jeff Mathis wins arbitration hearing, and $1.3-million salary|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-feb-20-la-sp-angels-fyi20-2010feb20-story.html|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|author=Digiovanna, Mike|date=February 20, 2010|access-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128031111/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-feb-20-la-sp-angels-fyi20-2010feb20-story.html|archive-date=January 28, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The arbitration hearing was also something of a watershed in the amount of consideration paid to Mathis' defensive statistics. The LA Times highlighted the stark comparisons with competing catcher [[Mike Napoli]]: "in 657 innings with the agile Mathis behind the plate, Angels pitchers had a 3.99 earned-run average; they had a 4.86 ERA in 758 innings with Napoli catching. Mathis also caught 17 of 69 attempted base-stealers for a 24.6% success rate; Napoli, who will make $3.6 million in 2010 but is coming off two 20-homer seasons, caught 13 of 87 attempted base-stealers for a 14.9% success rate".<ref name=arb /> Mathis had been among the AL leaders in pitchers' earned run averages while behind the plate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spencer|first=Lyle|title=Mathis out to ride late-season success|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100220&content_id=8104878&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224021643/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100220&content_id=8104878&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2010|work=MLB.com|date=February 20, 2010}}</ref>

In 2010, Mathis was ranked by Beyond the Box Score as one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2010/11/10/1803183/2010-beyond-the-box-score-catcher-defense-rankings|title=2010 Beyond the Box Score Catcher Defense Rankings|first=Matt|last=Klaassen|date=10 November 2010|access-date=21 May 2016|publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> He also matched his career-worst batting average of .194, while posting a sub-.500 OPS in over 200 at bats.

===Toronto Blue Jays===
On December 3, 2011, following the acquisition of [[Chris Iannetta]], he was traded to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] for pitcher [[Brad Mills (pitcher)|Brad Mills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluejays101.com/2011/12/04/toronto-blue-jays-acquire-jeff-mathis/|title=Toronto Blue Jays Acquire Jeff Mathis|first=Ryan|last=Baasch|date=4 December 2011|access-date=21 May 2016|work=Blue Jays 101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624214557/http://www.bluejays101.com/2011/12/04/toronto-blue-jays-acquire-jeff-mathis/|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Nine days later, Mathis signed a contract with the Blue Jays to avoid arbitration. He signed a one-year deal and was guaranteed to earn $1.5 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-sign-mcgowan-litsch-mathis-to-1-year-contracts-1.1091787|work=CBC News|title=Blue Jays sign McGowan, Litsch, Mathis to 1-year contracts|date=December 12, 2011}}</ref> Mathis made his first career pitching appearance in a game against the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] on May 25. Pitching in the 8th inning, Mathis gave up a hit and walked a batter, but ended the inning without surrendering a run. He became the sixth position player for the Blue Jays to pitch in a game, and the first since [[Mike McCoy (baseball)|Mike McCoy]] on June 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cruz-8-rbis-rangers-power-034325260--mlb.html |title=Cruz has 8 RBIs, Rangers power past Blue Jays 14-3|agency=Associated Press|date=26 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2016|work=[[Yahoo! Sports]]}}</ref>  He made a second pitching appearance exactly two months later, mopping up in a 16–0 loss against Oakland.  In that game, Mathis gave up 3 hits and 2 runs (both earned) in 1 inning of work.

On August 14, 2012, Mathis was signed to a two-year contract extension worth $3 million. It included a 2015 club option worth $1.5 million. Mathis was hitting .215 with six home runs over 147 plate appearances at the time of extension.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/08/blue-jays-sign-jeff-mathis-to-extension.html |title=Blue Jays Sign Jeff Mathis To Extension|first=Zach|last=Links|date=14 August 2012|access-date=21 May 2016|work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>

===Miami Marlins===
[[File:Jeff Mathis on June 18, 2015.jpg|thumb|Mathis with the [[Miami Marlins]] in 2015.]]
On November 19, 2012, Mathis was traded to the [[Miami Marlins]] along with [[Adeiny Hechavarria]], [[Henderson Álvarez]], [[Yunel Escobar]], [[Jake Marisnick]], [[Anthony DeSclafani]], and [[Justin Nicolino]], in exchange for [[Mark Buehrle]], [[Josh Johnson (pitcher)|Josh Johnson]], [[José Reyes (shortstop)|José Reyes]], [[John Buck (baseball)|John Buck]], and [[Emilio Bonifacio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=409853|title=MLB approves mega-deal between Blue Jays and Marlins|work=TSN.ca|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> Mathis was expected to serve as the back-up to [[Rob Brantly]].

In his first spring training game with the Marlins on February 23, 2013, Mathis broke his collarbone on a foul tip hit by [[Matt Holliday]]. He was the only catcher with major-league experience besides Brantly, and was expected to miss 6 weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/23/3250386/miami-marlins-backup-catcher-jeff.html |title=Miami Marlins backup catcher Jeff Mathis breaks collarbone |work=Miami Herald |first=Clark |last=Spencer |date=February 23, 2013}}</ref> Mathis made his season debut on May 16, going 0–4 with 2 strikeouts. On June 30, he hit a walk-off grand slam against [[Tyson Ross]] of the [[San Diego Padres]] to give Miami the win, 6–2.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} On November 1, 2014, the Marlins exercised their $1.5 million 2015 option on Mathis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/01/marlins-exercise-1-5-million-option-on-jeff-mathis/|title=Marlins exercise $1.5 million option on Mathis|last=Baer|first=Bill|work=hardballtalk.nbcsports.com|date=November 1, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>

On December 18, 2015, Mathis re-signed with the Marlins on a 1-year deal worth $1.5 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/159983448/marlins-jeff-mathis-agree-to-one-year-deal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221002214/http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/159983448/marlins-jeff-mathis-agree-to-one-year-deal|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2015|title=Mathis returning to Marlins on one-year deal|work=MLB.com|date=December 18, 2015|access-date=December 21, 2015|first=Joe|last=Frisaro}}</ref> He hit his third career grand slam (first since 2013) in a June 14, 2016 game against the [[2016 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article83862462.html|title=Jeff Mathis grand slam propels Marlins to 5-2 victory over Padres|first=Clark|last=Spencer|date=15 June 2016|access-date=16 June 2016|work=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref>

===Arizona Diamondbacks===
Mathis signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] on December 5, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=D-backs add Mathis, continue search for relievers|url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/d-backs-sign-jeff-mathis-to-two-year-contract-c210323866|work=[[MLB.com]]|author=Gilbert, Steve|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319001649/https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/d-backs-sign-jeff-mathis-to-two-year-contract-c210323866|archive-date=March 19, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2017 season, he appeared in 60 games with the Diamondbacks, batting .215 with two home runs and 11 RBIs. He hit .200 with 1 home run and 20 RBI in 2018.

===Texas Rangers===
On November 15, 2018, Mathis signed a two-year deal, with the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web|author=T.R. Sullivan|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-sign-catcher-jeff-mathis/c-300805478|title=Rangers sign veteran catcher Mathis|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=November 20, 2018|access-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, Mathis hit .158/.209/.224/.433 with 2 home runs and 12 RBI over 86 games. On defense, he helped [[Lance Lynn]] and [[Mike Minor (baseball)|Mike Minor]] finish in the top 10 in AL [[Cy Young Award]] voting.<ref>{{cite web|author=T.R. Sullivan|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/jeff-mathis-done-for-2019|title=Mathis done for 2019, as '20 decisions await|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=September 26, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Jeff Mathis Can't Hit, but He's Good for Baseball {{!}} Baseball Bits|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNHrxRC1bBA|language=en|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref> In 24 games in 2020 for Texas, Mathis slashed .161/.221/.355 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI over 62 at-bats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jeff-mathis-425772|title=Jeff Mathis Stats, Fantasy & News|website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===Philadelphia Phillies===
On February 16, 2021, Mathis signed a minor league contract with the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] organization that included an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phillies Sign Jeff Mathis To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/phillies-sign-jeff-mathis-catcher.html|work=mlbtraderumors.com|author=Adams, Steve|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> On March 24, 2021, Mathis was released from his contract with the Phillies after ten spring training games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeff Mathis Granted Release By Phillies|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/phillies-release-jeff-mathis.html|work=mlbtraderumors.com|author=Adams, Steve|date=March 24, 2021|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves===
On March 30, 2021, Mathis signed a minor league contract with the [[Atlanta Braves]] organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Braves To Sign Jeff Mathis To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/braves-to-sign-jeff-mathis-to-minor-league-deal.html |work=mlbtraderumors.com |author=Polishuk, Mark |date=March 30, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330190821/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/braves-to-sign-jeff-mathis-to-minor-league-deal.html |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 2, Mathis was selected to the active roster after starter [[Travis d'Arnaud]] and backup [[Alex Jackson (baseball)|Alex Jackson]] were placed on the injured list.<ref>{{cite web |title=Braves Select Jeff Mathis, Place Alex Jackson On Injured List |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/braves-select-jeff-mathis-place-alex-jackson-on-injured-list.html |work=mlbtraderumors.com |author=Zencka, Tyler |date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502212311/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/braves-select-jeff-mathis-place-alex-jackson-on-injured-list.html |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> After going hitless in 9 at-bats, Mathis was designated for assignment on May 19 following the acquisition of [[Kevan Smith (baseball)|Kevan Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/rays-trade-kevan-smith-braves.html|title = Braves Acquire Kevan Smith, Designate Jeff Mathis}}</ref> He was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A [[Gwinnett Stripers]] the next day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/braves-outright-jeff-mathis.html|title = Braves Outright Jeff Mathis}}</ref> Mathis received his only World Series ring, as the Braves went on to win the World Series. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.<ref>{{cite web|title=2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-22-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=February 18, 2025|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Player profile ==
After leaving the Angels, Mathis became a heavily defensive catcher who excels in pitch framing and catching base stealers. Because of these skills, he was a preferred catcher to pitchers such as [[José Fernández (right-handed pitcher)|Jose Fernandez]] and [[Zack Greinke]], despite being among the league worst in many batting statistics.<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
Mathis and his wife Jenna have two daughters.<ref>{{cite web | last=Toscano | first=Justin | title=Jeff Mathis returns after birth of daughter | website=MLB.com | date=2018-06-13 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jeff-mathis-returns-after-birth-of-daughter-c281088614 | access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Jeff Mathis}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=425772|espn=5921|br=m/mathije01|fangraphs=3448|brm=mathis001jef}}

{{Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first-round draft picks}}
{{2001 MLB Draft}}
{{C Fielding Bible Award}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mathis, Jeff}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Marianna, Florida]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Jackson County, Florida]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Florida]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels players]]
[[Category:Toronto Blue Jays players]]
[[Category:Miami Marlins players]]
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Texas Rangers players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Arizona League Angels players]]
[[Category:Provo Angels players]]
[[Category:Cedar Rapids Kernels players]]
[[Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players]]
[[Category:Arkansas Travelers players]]
[[Category:Scottsdale Scorpions players]]
[[Category:Salt Lake Stingers players]]
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[[Category:Jacksonville Suns players]]
[[Category:New Orleans Zephyrs players]]