As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly setting their sights on St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Steven Matz, a versatile pitcher in the final year of a four-year, $44 million contract. With a depleted pitching staff plagued by injuries, the Dodgers are poised to make a bold move to strengthen their bullpen for another World Series run in 2025. Matz, who has reinvented himself as a multi-inning reliever with a sparkling 2.66 ERA this season, could be the key to unlocking Los Angeles’ championship aspirations. However, the Cardinals’ recent surge and Matz’s resurgence add drama to the trade rumors, as St. Louis weighs whether to sell or hold onto their revitalized arm.
Matz’s Renaissance as a Reliever
Steven Matz, signed by the Cardinals in 2021 as a starter, struggled through injuries and inconsistency in his first three seasons, posting a 4.47 ERA over 197.1 innings. However, his transition to a swingman role in 2025 has been a game-changer. As MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan noted, “The Cardinals’ most intriguing trade candidate is arguably Matz, who is in the final year of a four-year, $44 million deal. Initially signed to be a starter, Matz dealt with injuries and had a 4.47 ERA in 197 1/3 innings during the first three years of his deal. However, he has found new life as a multi-inning reliever in 2025, posting a 2.66 ERA with a 1.89 FIP, 38 strikeouts and four walks over 40 2/3 innings.”
Matz’s 2025 stats include a 2-0 record, a 21-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 25 innings, and a save, showcasing his effectiveness in high-leverage situations. St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold highlighted the intrigue surrounding Matz, saying, “I’ve talked to a few scouts who are intrigued by how the Cardinals are using Steven Matz. They expected the Cardinals to use him as a starter to give him that stage to invite interest and increase what they could ask for him—as a starter, not as a swingman. Some teams already saw him as a reliever for their bullpen, and so they’re seeing some of that too.”
Why the Dodgers Want Matz
The Dodgers, sitting at 48-31 and leading the NL West, are no strangers to aggressive deadline moves. With injuries to key pitchers like Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and A.J. Minter, their bullpen depth has been tested. Matz’s ability to pitch multiple innings, combined with his left-handed arm and improved command (1.89 FIP), makes him an ideal fit for Los Angeles’ mix-and-match relief strategy. Yardbarker’s analysis suggested, “The Cardinals, aiming to reduce payroll and invest in youth, might be enticed by a Dodgers prospect package. There will be multiple suitors for Matz if and when he hits the trade block, but the Dodgers have a way of presenting the best offer and outbidding the competition.”
Los Angeles’ interest in Matz aligns with their need for a versatile arm who can handle both long relief and high-leverage spots. His familiarity with the NL East from his time with the New York Mets (2015-2020) adds appeal, as he’s proven he can perform in competitive environments. Sporting News’ Matt Sullivan emphasized, “His versatility as a starter-turned-reliever made Harrigan put Matz as his most intriguing trade piece from the Cardinals’ roster.”
Cardinals’ Dilemma: Trade or Keep?
The Cardinals, at 44-34 and in the thick of the NL Central race, face a pivotal decision. Their recent four-game winning streak, including two against the Dodgers in early June, has them leaning toward buying rather than selling. However, with Matz’s contract expiring and a youth movement underway—featuring prospects like Victor Scott II and Michael Siani—St. Louis could be tempted to trade him for a haul of prospects. Harrigan noted, “The Cardinals will likely have to eat some money to get back a notable return,” given Matz’s $11 million salary in 2025.
Other Cardinals pitchers, like Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde, are also drawing interest, but Matz’s affordability as a rental and his recent dominance make him a prime target. Sporting News reported, “Matz, the fifth option among the Cardinals pitchers potentially on the trade market, could be one of the best additions a team could make at the deadline.” The Phillies have also been linked to Matz, with Clutch Points’ Russel Steinberg suggesting, “Matz will be a free agent at the end of the season, making him an affordable rental.”
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Fan Buzz and Trade Speculation
The trade rumors have sparked heated discussions on X, with fans debating Matz’s value and the Dodgers’ pursuit. One user posted, “Dodgers going after Steven Matz is classic LA—swooping in for the sneaky good deal.” Another wrote, “Cardinals would be crazy to trade Matz when he’s pitching like this, but those Dodgers prospects are tempting.” The drama is heightened by Matz’s resurgence, with some St. Louis fans arguing, “He’s finally healthy and dealing. Why trade him now?” Others see the logic, noting, “If the Cards eat some of his contract, they could land a top prospect from LA.”
The Dodgers’ reputation for outbidding rivals, as seen in past deals for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, adds intrigue. Their prospect pool, including names like Dalton Rushing and Josue De Paula, could entice St. Louis to pull the trigger. However, the Cardinals’ recent success might keep Matz in St. Louis, especially if they believe he’s key to a playoff push.