Who Is Matt Joyce (baseball)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 3, 1984, in Tampa, Florida, Matt Joyce is a former professional baseball player known for his significant contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB). Over his career, which spanned over a decade, Joyce played for various teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, and the Atlanta Braves. Known for his powerful hitting and versatility in the outfield, Joyce became a fan favorite and an essential player on every team he joined. As of 2025, Matt Joyce is 40 years old and continues to be involved in the baseball community, sharing his expertise and experiences.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Matt Joyce (baseball)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 6 feet, 0 inches (183 cm) tall, Matt Joyce has maintained a fit physique throughout his athletic career. His playing weight typically hovered around 190 pounds (86 kg), which complemented his role as a power hitter. His athletic build, combined with his dedication to fitness, has allowed him to perform at high levels throughout his career.
On December 10, 2008, the Tigers traded Joyce to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Edwin Jackson. Although Joyce missed time in spring training due to tendinitis in his leg, he was named to the Rays' Opening Day roster after B. J. Upton sustained a shoulder injury.
On April 9, Joyce hit his first major league home run, a solo shot off of Daisuke Matsuzaka in the second inning of a 4–3 victory over the Boston Red Sox. When Upton returned from the disabled list on April 13, Joyce was optioned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls.
Joyce played only three games with the Rays in his first major-league call-up, and his only hit in 10 at bats was the home run against Matsuzaka. In the minor leagues, Joyce helped the Bulls capture the Triple-A National Championship in a 5–4 victory over the Memphis Redbirds.
He batted .273 in Triple-A, with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs in 111 games.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Matt Joyce has kept aspects of his personal life private, as of 2025, he is known to be in a committed relationship. He often shares moments with his girlfriend on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his life off the diamond. Joyce values family time and often mentions the importance of his support system in achieving his career goals.
Raised by a single father in Tampa, Florida, Joyce frequently attended Rays games at Tropicana Field as a child. The Detroit Tigers attended an exhibition game that Joyce played with Florida Southern College and selected him in the 12th round of the 2005 MLB Draft.
Joyce debuted with the Tigers in 2008 and was traded to the Rays the following season. After five years in St. Petersburg, Florida, Joyce was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where his performance suffered after a 2015 concussion.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Matt Joyce's estimated net worth is around $25 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful baseball career, lucrative contracts with various MLB teams, and endorsements. Throughout his career, Joyce earned an average salary ranging from $2 million to $5 million per season, with peak earnings during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays.
On August 5, 2017, Joyce received a two-game suspension without pay after using a homophobic slur against a fan in the eighth inning of a game against the Angels. Joyce apologized the following day, and the A's donated $54,000 from Joyce's salary to PFLAG, an organization for families of LGBTQ+ individuals.
He additionally clarified in a statement that the outburst had been motivated by a fan saying "vulgar and obscene words" about Joyce and his family, and that he "fully support[s] and hope[s] to help the LGBTQ community with their efforts in being treated fairly." Joyce finished the season with a .243 average with 25 home runs and 68 RBIs in 469 at
bats.
Career, Business and Investments
Matt Joyce made his MLB debut in 2008, and over the years, he has been recognized for his offensive skills and contributions to his teams. Beyond baseball, Joyce has ventured into business and investments, focusing on sports-related ventures and philanthropic activities. He is known for his commitment to giving back to the community, participating in various charitable programs, especially those that promote youth sports.
A childhood fan of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB), Joyce frequently attended home games at Tropicana Field. His favorite Ray was Fred McGriff, while his overall favorite baseball player was Ken Griffey Jr. Joyce's baseball career began with the North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida.
He went on to attend Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, where he described his athletic performance as not "too ridiculous as far as being that far above everybody." Joyce was the second Armwood baseball player to play in MLB, following left-handed pitcher Sterling Hitchcock, and Armwood retired his No. 24 jersey in February 2009.
Social Network
Matt Joyce is active on several social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his life, career, and interests. His candid posts about training sessions, family outings, and community involvement have garnered him a significant following. Fans appreciate his willingness to connect and reflect on his journey in baseball and beyond.
Beginning in 2016, Joyce operated primarily as a pinch hitter rather than a position player. The transition was successful: he led all active MLB pinch hitters with 40 hits and 70 total bases from 2017 through 2020, tying for first with seven home runs.
A left-handed batter, most of his plate appearances during this period were against right-handed pitchers, against whom he had an .818 on-base plus slugging (OPS) since the 2016 season.
As his batting improved over the course of his major league career, Joyce told MLB.com that he would watch YouTube videos of performances from Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Jose Bautista, and Robinson Cano to understand what made each player successful behind the plate.
While his mechanics were consistently strong throughout his MLB career, Joyce occasionally struggled with timing at the plate.
During a decline in his productivity at Anaheim, Scioscia, the manager at the time, encouraged Joyce to think of "a concept like driving the ball up the middle or to left center" rather than focusing on physical mechanics of batting.
Education
Matt Joyce attended Florida Southern College, where he played college baseball and honed his skills. His time at the college level played a crucial role in preparing him for the professional sports world. His education not only provided him with athletic training but also instilled essential life lessons that he carries with him today.
In summary, Matt Joyce's journey from a young athlete in Tampa to a renowned MLB player demonstrates his dedication to his craft and commitment to personal growth. As he embraces life after professional sports, he remains a touchstone for fans and aspiring athletes alike.
Although Joyce received offers to play college baseball for the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida, he chose to attend Florida Southern College, who offered him an opportunity to begin playing as a freshman. As a sophomore in 2005, Joyce earned All-Sunshine State Conference honors and helped lead Florida Southern to their ninth NCAA Division II title.
