Daylight Update: Dedicated to the end! “If the St. Louis Cardinals Are Committed to Trading a Starting Pitcher This Offseason, Steven Matz Must Be Off the Table Due to His Proven Value, Recent Performance Surge, Team-Friendly Contract, and Crucial Role in Stabilizing the Rotation for Both Present and Future Success”…
The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a pivotal moment, grappling with how to reshape their roster while maintaining competitiveness. When considering trading a starting pitcher, it’s essential to weigh both immediate and long-term implications.
If the Cardinals are set on trading just one starter, Steven Matz should not be the one they move. Here’s why keeping Matz is the smarter play, rooted in his recent performance, contract value, rotation stability, and potential impact on the team’s goals.
1. A Resurgent Second Half
Steven Matz had a tale of two seasons in 2023. His early struggles gave way to a remarkable turnaround in the latter half, where he demonstrated the ability to adjust and thrive.
After being temporarily shifted to the bullpen, Matz returned to the rotation and excelled. His improved command, particularly of his sinker and changeup, allowed him to keep hitters off-balance.
The numbers don’t lie: his ERA after the All-Star break was among the best on the team, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio improved significantly.
This resurgence wasn’t a fluke but a testament to his work ethic and adaptability, qualities that make him invaluable. Trading Matz now would risk losing a pitcher hitting his stride, just as he’s poised to provide meaningful contributions.
2. Team-Friendly Contract
Matz is signed to a four-year, $44 million deal, a contract that provides cost certainty at a time when starting pitching is becoming increasingly expensive.
In today’s market, where even mid-tier starters command significant salaries, Matz represents excellent value. His contract aligns with the Cardinals’ fiscal approach, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of need without compromising quality in the rotation.
If the Cardinals were to trade Matz, replacing him with a similarly capable starter would likely cost more—whether in financial terms or the prospect capital required to acquire an arm. Retaining Matz ensures the team maintains a solid starter without inflating payroll or sacrificing young talent.
3. Rotation Depth and Durability
The Cardinals’ rotation depth has been a concern, with inconsistencies and injuries plaguing their pitching staff in recent seasons. Matz stands out as one of the few dependable options who can provide stability.
While he’s had his share of injuries in the past, his ability to bounce back and contribute in multiple roles—whether as a starter or reliever—sets him apart.
Furthermore, trading Matz would thin an already uncertain rotation. Young pitchers like Matthew Liberatore or Gordon Graceffo may have potential, but they lack the proven track record that Matz brings.
The Cardinals cannot afford to gamble on unproven talent when their goal is to contend. Matz offers a reliable middle-of-the-rotation presence, bridging the gap between the staff’s veterans and its rising stars.
4. The Case for Trading Others
If the Cardinals are determined to move a starter, there are more logical candidates than Matz. Dakota Hudson, for example, offers appeal to teams seeking a groundball-heavy pitcher with years of team control, but his inconsistency makes him less critical to the Cardinals.
Jack Flaherty, though a potential ace, has struggled with injuries and may not provide the same reliability as Matz. Trading Flaherty or Hudson would create fewer ripples in the rotation while still allowing the team to acquire valuable assets.
Moreover, pitchers like Miles Mikolas, while steady, don’t possess the upside that Matz showed in his second-half resurgence. Moving Matz would be akin to discarding a pitcher on an upward trajectory for short-term gain, a move that could haunt the team in the years to come.
5. Fit with the Cardinals’ Vision
The Cardinals are not in a rebuilding phase; they aim to remain competitive while addressing key weaknesses. Matz fits perfectly into this vision.
He’s a pitcher with enough experience to handle high-pressure situations but also adaptable enough to mentor younger pitchers. His team-first attitude and willingness to adjust roles showcase his value beyond the stat sheet.
Additionally, Matz’s ability to succeed as both a starter and a reliever adds versatility. In a playoff race or postseason scenario, his flexibility to fill multiple roles makes him an asset few teams possess. The Cardinals would be hard-pressed to replace this unique combination of skills and mindset.
6. The Cost of Replacing Matz
Should the Cardinals trade Matz, they would face the challenge of replacing his production. Free agency offers few guarantees, with most reliable starters commanding significant contracts. The alternative—promoting from within—comes with its own risks, as prospects often take time to adjust to the demands of the major leagues.
Matz’s track record and recent improvements suggest he’s primed for a strong 2024 season. Letting him go would leave a hole in the rotation that could derail the team’s playoff aspirations. Instead of creating a void, the Cardinals should focus on building around Matz as a key piece of their pitching staff.
7. Postseason Aspirations
The Cardinals’ ultimate goal is postseason success, and Matz has shown he can be a critical piece in that pursuit. His ability to perform in high-leverage situations and adapt to the needs of the team makes him a valuable asset in October.
Whether as a starter providing quality innings or a reliever shutting down tough opponents, Matz’s versatility is exactly what the Cardinals need to succeed in the playoffs.
Trading Steven Matz would be a mistake for the St. Louis Cardinals. His recent performance, affordable contract, rotation stability, and fit with the team’s vision make him too valuable to let go.
If the Cardinals are committed to moving a starter, they have other options that wouldn’t compromise their rotation or long-term goals. By retaining Matz, the Cardinals can build a stronger, more balanced pitching staff, giving them the best chance to contend now and in the future.
