David Matoma Aims to Be First MLB Player from Uganda

BRADENTON, Fla. — At first glance, you might not expect 19-year-old David Matoma, a right-handed pitcher from Uganda, to have the fastest fastball in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system. Even a closer look may not change that perception.

Matoma’s impressive velocity has caught him off guard at times. During last year’s Spring Training in the Dominican Republic, he achieved speeds of around 97 mph. However, when he entered a professional game in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League, he astonished everyone by hitting 101 mph on the radar gun.

“I was thrilled to be able to throw that hard,” Matoma expressed. “I went in with the intention of going all out.”

Now starting his third season in the Pirates organization, Matoma is showing promise after signing as an international free agent from Uganda in 2023. Over his first 38.2 innings, he has delivered excellent results, striking out 42 batters and allowing just four runs (two earned) across 24 games in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League and the FCL. He is expected to move up to Single-A Bradenton this year, where he’ll likely start seeing more multi-inning outings, indicating potential advancement through the Pirates’ minor league affiliates.

The trajectory of his career remains uncertain, as there isn’t a clear path for players like Matoma. Uganda has yet to produce a Major League player, making Matoma’s aspirations particularly unique. The only Major League player from Africa, Gift Ngoepe, previously played for the Pirates. Matoma, while reserved during an interview at the Spring Breakout game in Clearwater, Fla., proudly noted that he gained 20 pounds over the offseason, bringing his weight to 181 pounds. Standing at 6 feet, he has the physique of a middle infielder or perhaps a soccer player, which he initially pursued before discovering baseball at age 10.

Clearly, Matoma possesses the potential necessary for success. MLB Pipeline ranks him as the Pirates’ No. 30 prospect with a fastball graded at 70. For perspective, the only other pitcher in the organization who matches this fastball grade is Bubba Chandler. His pitching arsenal also includes a gyro-slider and a splitter, which, combined with his powerful fastball, enhances his prospects as a future ace.

Despite his talent, Matoma remains young, slender, and relatively inexperienced, having logged only a handful of professional innings. The Pirates have demonstrated an aptitude for developing pitching talent under General Manager Ben Cherington, but Matoma will require careful management due to his unique background.

“While he’s learning the game, we’re also learning about him,” stated Shawn Bowman, the Pirates’ assistant director of coaching and player development, during the Spring Breakout game. “It’s a non-traditional scenario; we have to consider the unique situation he presents.”