As the trade deadline approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals face a pivotal decision: buy, sell, or adopt a hybrid strategy? With only 48 hours remaining, the team must evaluate its position, assess its needs, and determine the best course of action to improve its chances for the remainder of the 2025 season. This analysis delves into the Cardinals’ current situation, examining potential trade candidates, identifying areas of need, and proposing a balanced approach to navigate the deadline.
The Cardinals’ performance has been inconsistent, marked by periods of promise and stretches of disappointment. After a rocky start following the All-Star break, the team finds itself at a crossroads. While the NL Central title appears largely out of reach, a Wild Card berth remains a realistic goal. This situation necessitates a nuanced approach, one that balances short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability.
This article will explore which veteran relievers the Cardinals should consider trading, which offensive pieces they should target to bolster their lineup against left-handed pitching, and how they can address their persistent need for future starting pitching. The ultimate aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Cardinals’ options and recommend a strategic path forward.
Potential Trade Candidates: Veteran Relievers
The Cardinals possess several veteran relievers who could draw significant interest from contending teams. Historically, teams tend to overpay for bullpen help at the trade deadline, creating an opportunity for the Cardinals to capitalize on this demand. The saying “there’s no such thing as too much pitching” often rings true, and the Cardinals have valuable commodities to offer in LHP Steven Matz, RHP Phil Maton, and RHP Ryan Helsley.
Teams with firmer footing in the race will see LHP Steven Matz, RHP Phil Maton, and RHP Ryan Helsley as attractive solidifying pieces.
Ryan Helsley, despite a slight dip in strikeout rate, remains a formidable closer with the ability to consistently hit 100 mph. Phil Maton has been a stellar setup man, providing excellent value on his bargain $2 million contract. Steven Matz offers versatility as a swingman, capable of starting or relieving, and has shown improved performance since late June.
Trading these relievers could net the Cardinals valuable prospects or younger players who can contribute in the future. However, the team must carefully weigh the potential return against the immediate impact of losing these experienced arms from the bullpen.
Closer RHP Ryan Helsley: A High-Leverage Asset
Ryan Helsley has made 36 appearances this season, maintaining a 3.00 ERA. While his xERA and FIP both stand at 3.51, his strikeout rate of 26.1% and K-BB% of 17.2% demonstrate his effectiveness. He has also generated a +1.50 WPA, indicating his positive impact on the team’s win probability.
Despite a slight decline in his strikeout rate for the third consecutive year, Helsley still consistently reaches 100 mph and features a devastating slider that often leaves batters looking foolish. His proven performance in high-pressure situations makes him an attractive target for teams seeking to bolster their late-game options.
Helsley’s value remains considerable, and the Cardinals could command a decent return for his services. Teams prioritize reliable late-game performance, and Helsley has consistently delivered in this role over the past four seasons. Trading him would open up the closer role, but the potential return could outweigh the loss.
Set-up Man Phil Maton: High Reward, Low Cost
Phil Maton, with 40 appearances this season, has been a revelation for the Cardinals. His 2.35 ERA, 2.55 xERA, and 2.49 FIP, coupled with a .203 BAA, highlight his dominance in the bullpen. Maton’s strikeout rate has surged from 22.6% to 30.4%, and he boasts a +0.72 WPA.
Signed for a mere $2 million, Maton represents exceptional value. Any team acquiring him would owe only a pro-rated league-minimum salary. If the Cardinals were to pay down the remainder of his modest contract, they could potentially demand a significant return in a trade.
The prospect of acquiring a top setup man with no financial obligations attached would be highly appealing to contending teams. This scenario presents a golden opportunity for the Cardinals to capitalize on Maton’s performance and secure valuable assets for the future.
Swingman LHP Steven Matz: Versatility and Experience
Steven Matz has made 30 appearances and two starts this season, posting a 3.23 ERA, 3.08 xERA, and a career-best 2.90 FIP. His versatility as a left-handed pitcher who can start or relieve adds to his value. Matz’s 21.2% K rate and 4.1% BB rate result in a strong 17.1% K-BB%.
While his WPA is -0.61, largely due to a challenging stretch in June, Matz has rebounded with improved performance since June 25, allowing just two earned runs in 9.1 innings (1.93 ERA). His impressive 84.9% strand rate suggests a degree of good fortune, but his overall profile remains attractive.
Matz’s left-handedness and ability to fill multiple roles make him a desirable asset for many teams, particularly those with fragile rotations. A team like the Dodgers could greatly benefit from his flexibility and experience.
Addressing Offensive Weaknesses and Pitching Needs
In a hybrid scenario, the Cardinals should focus on acquiring a bat capable of hitting left-handed pitching and addressing their long-standing need for future starting pitching. The team’s struggles against lefties are glaring, and bolstering the lineup with a player who excels in these matchups is crucial.
For the love of God, please get an offensive piece who can hit LHP. Ivan Herrera cannot do it all for the Cardinals, they need more.
The Cardinals’ starting pitching has been a persistent issue, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key metrics. While the 2025 draft class, including Liam Doyle, was a positive step, more needs to be done to secure the team’s future on the mound.
Chaim Bloom should prioritize addressing the starting rotation, recognizing it as a critical area for improvement. Investing in arms that can return the team to prominence is essential for long-term success.
Acquiring a Bat to Counter Left-Handed Pitching
The Cardinals’ struggles against left-handed pitching are evident in their offensive statistics. A breakdown of their hitters against LHP reveals that only a few players perform above league average in these situations.
Some potential trade targets who could address this need include Romy Gonzalez (185 wRC+ vs. LHP), Rob Refsnyder (150 wRC+ vs. LHP), Austin Slater (154 wRC+ vs. LHP), Dane Myers (140 wRC+ vs. LHP), Alex Call (137 wRC+ vs. LHP), and Harrison Bader (124 wRC+ vs. LHP). These players offer platoon options and defensive versatility, making them valuable additions to the Cardinals’ roster.
Acquiring a player who can consistently hit left-handed pitching would provide a significant boost to the Cardinals’ offense and address a clear weakness in their lineup.
Investing in Future Starting Pitching
The Cardinals’ lack of investment in starting pitching over the past five years is alarming. Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in key pitching statistics, the front office has been negligent in addressing this critical area.
The team’s struggles in strikeout rate, K-BB%, BAA, WHIP, and ERA highlight the need for significant improvement in the starting rotation. While the Cardinals have excelled defensively, their lackluster pitching has consistently undermined their efforts.
They say pitching AND defense wins championships. Perhaps John Mozeliak thought an overperforming defense could prop up a lackluster group of pitching. His bet has failed magnificently.
Chaim Bloom must recognize the urgent need to invest in starting pitching and prioritize acquiring arms that can return the Cardinals to prominence. Addressing this issue is paramount for the team’s long-term success.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach to the Trade Deadline
As the trade deadline looms, the St. Louis Cardinals must carefully weigh their options and adopt a strategic approach that balances short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Trading veteran relievers like Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz could yield valuable assets for the future, while acquiring a bat to counter left-handed pitching and investing in future starting pitching are essential for addressing the team’s weaknesses.
A hybrid approach, combining strategic selling with targeted acquisitions, may be the most prudent course of action. By capitalizing on the demand for bullpen help and addressing key areas of need, the Cardinals can position themselves for both immediate success and sustained competitiveness.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ success at the trade deadline will depend on their ability to make informed decisions, assess their options objectively, and execute a plan that aligns with their overall vision for the future. With only 48 hours remaining, the clock is ticking, and the Cardinals must act decisively to shape their destiny for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.
Leave a Reply