The St. Louis Cardinals’ front office has not made any major roster changes this offseason, even with Opening Day just over two months away.
Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, expressed intentions to cut payroll shortly after the 2024 season concluded, but so far, the only savings have come from players whose contracts expired and were not re-signed.
Despite this, there’s still time for the Cardinals to trade a veteran left-handed pitcher, who has reportedly drawn trade interest.
“If they need to adjust to other cost-cutting measures, moving part of Steven Matz’s salary could be a logical step,” wrote Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors on Friday. “The Cards have seen some interest in him, despite his rough 5.08 ERA over 44 1/3 innings last season.”
Matz has come up in trade discussions multiple times this offseason, but Mozeliak and the front office have been more focused on finding a trade partner for 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado.
“Matz is owed $12 million in 2025, the final year of his four-year deal with the Cardinals,” Adams added. “He pitched 105 innings with a 3.86 ERA, a 21.8% strikeout rate, and a 7.1% walk rate just a year ago. His contract isn’t too far from what he’d likely earn in free agency. The Cardinals could reduce most of the salary if they’re willing to move him for a minimal return and allocate those innings to other pitchers.”
Trading Matz would help the Cardinals lower their payroll while opening up a spot in the rotation for up-and-coming pitchers like left-hander Quinn Matthews or right-hander Tink Hence.
Given that Matz is in the final year of his four-year, $44 million contract, it seems wise for the Cardinals to part with him now. Since he’s not injured, they should consider moving him this winter before he potentially becomes harder to trade due to injury by the summer trade deadline.
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