Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Steven Matz, a versatile pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is a top trade candidate as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches.
- He has successfully transitioned to a primary relief role in 2025, showcasing multi-inning effectiveness and high-leverage performance.
- Interest from teams like the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays highlights Matz’s value, especially given his salary considerations.
- The Cardinals are exploring trades involving Matz and other expiring contracts to rebuild or retool offensively and defensively.
- The trade activity surrounding Matz will influence postseason races and team strategies across MLB.
Table of Contents
Matz’s 2025 Performance and Role Shift
Why Matz is Attractive to Teams
Cardinals’ Broader Trade Strategy
Implications for Fans and MLB Landscape
Steven Matz Trade Rumors Heat Up as Cardinals Approach 2025 Trade Deadline
As the July 31 MLB trade deadline looms, Steven Matz, the St. Louis Cardinals’ versatile left-handed pitcher, has become a hot commodity in trade discussions across the league. With the Cardinals currently positioned 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, their window to contend is narrowing, prompting speculation about whether Matz, among others, will be moved to strengthen future prospects or clear salary space[1][2].
Matz’s 2025 Performance and Role Shift
Matz’s 2025 season has marked a notable transformation. Traditionally known as a starter with 172 career starts, including two this season, Matz has embraced a primary relief role for the first time and is thriving. His ability to deliver multi-inning relief stints — pitching at least four outs in 21 of 28 appearances — highlights his effectiveness in high-leverage situations. He has limited walks and hard contact, a vital asset for any bullpen[1][2].
Why Matz is Attractive to Teams
Several MLB clubs have shown interest in Matz, including the New York Mets and possibly the Toronto Blue Jays. His dual capability as a starter and reliever provides teams flexibility, especially for clubs wanting to bolster their bullpen depth or manage rotation needs. Additionally, Matz’s salary of around $12.5 million for 2025 is seen by the Cardinals as partly dead money after his uneven 2024 season, making a trade an attractive financial move to recoup some value before free agency[1][2].
Cardinals’ Broader Trade Strategy
Matz is not alone in trade discussions. The Cardinals may look to move other key bullpen arms like Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton, all of whom are, like Matz, on expiring contracts. This suggests the Cardinals could be sellers, focusing on rebuilding or retooling as they trail the playoff cutoff. However, their bullpen has remained a relative strength, which makes deals involving these pitchers particularly impactful for potential contenders like the Boston Red Sox, who have bullpen needs to address for a playoff push[1][3][4].
Implications for Fans and MLB Landscape
For Cardinals fans, the possible departure of Steven Matz represents both a loss of a reliable, versatile arm and a strategic pivot that could define the team’s future trajectory. For the acquiring teams, Matz offers an immediate upgrade in bullpen depth with starter upside.
As the deadline nears, expect heightened trade activity and a flurry of offers and speculations surrounding Matz and other Cardinals pitchers. The outcomes will ripple beyond St. Louis, affecting postseason races and bullpen compositions across MLB[1][2][3].
FAQ
Who is Steven Matz?
Steven Matz is a left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, known for his versatility and recent shift to a relief role in 2025.
Why are teams interested in Matz?
Teams are interested because of his dual capability as a starter and reliever, along with his effective relief performances and manageable salary considerations.
Which teams are interested in Matz?
The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest, with potential discussions involving other MLB teams.
What is the Cardinals’ trade strategy?
The Cardinals are exploring options to trade Matz and other expiring contract players to rebuild or retool their roster ahead of the 2025 season.