Chris Mazza


Christopher James Mazza is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He previously played in MLB for the New York Mets. Listed at and, he throws and bats right-handed.

Career

Mazza attended Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord, California. He attended Menlo College in Atherton, California.

Path to the major leagues

Mazza was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round of the 2011 MLB draft. He became the first player ever drafted out of Menlo College. Mazza spent time in the Twins organization from 2011 to 2015. During his time with them, he played for the GCL Twins, Elizabethton Twins, and Cedar Rapids Kernels. He was released by the Twins on July 22, 2015.
Mazza signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins on August 4, 2015. While in the Miami organization, he played for the GCL Marlins, Jupiter Hammerheads, Jacksonville Suns, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and New Orleans Baby Cakes. He was released by the Marlins on May 19, 2018.
After being released by Miami, Mazza signed with the San Rafael Pacifics of the Pacific Association. On July 13, 2018, Mazza signed a contract with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. On August 17, 2018, Mazza was signed by the Seattle Mariners, and was assigned to the Arkansas Travelers for the remainder of the season.

New York Mets

On December 13, 2018, Mazza was selected by the New York Mets in the Triple-A phase of the 2018 Rule 5 draft.
Mazza opened the 2019 season playing for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and the Syracuse Mets. On June 26, Mazza's contract was selected and he was called up to the major leagues for the first time. He made his major league debut on June 29 against the Atlanta Braves, pitching four innings in relief in which he gave up one earned run while striking out two. Overall with the 2019 Mets, Mazza appeared in nine games, all in relief, compiling a 1–1 record with 5.51 ERA in innings pitched while striking out 11 batters. Mazza was designated for assignment on December 13, 2019.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox claimed Mazza off waivers on December 20, 2019. On March 26, 2020, the team optioned Mazza to the Class A-Advanced Salem Red Sox. He was added to Boston's active roster on July 29, and made his first appearance with the team on August 1 against the New York Yankees.

Personal life

Mazza is related to Joe DiMaggio by way of his grandmother, who is a cousin of DiMaggio.