Trade Winds Blowing in St. Louis with $44 Million Veteran in Play
The St. Louis Cardinals front office has been relatively quiet on the roster front leading up to the upcoming season, despite the looming Opening Day. The team’s president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, had hinted at payroll reductions after the conclusion of the 2024 season. However, the only trimming done so far has been through the departure of players whose contracts expired and were not renewed.
Interest Brewing in Trade for Matz
Amidst this backdrop, trade rumors swirl around a veteran left-handed pitcher on the Cardinals’ roster. Steven Matz, who has struggled with a 5.08 ERA in 44 1/3 innings last season, has reportedly attracted attention from other teams. Despite his recent performance, there seems to be some appetite in the market for the southpaw.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams highlighted the possibility of the Cardinals shedding Matz’s $12 million salary for the 2025 season, the final year of his four-year deal with the team. Adams noted that Matz had shown promise in the past, pitching 105 innings with a 3.86 ERA, a 21.8% strikeout rate, and a 7.1% walk rate in 2023. He also pointed out that Matz’s contract value may not be significantly higher than what he could command in free agency.
Potential Benefits of Trading Matz
Parting ways with Matz could serve a dual purpose for the Cardinals. Not only could it help in reducing the team’s payroll, but it could also open up a rotation spot for emerging pitchers like LHP Quinn Matthews or RHP Tink Hence. As Matz enters the final year of his hefty $44 million contract, the timing seems right for the Cardinals to explore moving him.
Given Matz’s current healthy status, trading him in the offseason appears to be a strategic move. By doing so, the Cardinals could avoid potential complications that might arise if he were to sustain an injury later on, making him less attractive in the trade market come the summer deadline.
