With the MLB offseason gaining momentum, the St. Louis Cardinals are likely to attract interest from teams seeking a starting pitcher. Having already lost two starters to free agency, the Cardinals currently have three pitchers on their roster who stand a strong chance of being traded before Spring Training begins.
Three Cardinals Starting Pitchers That Could Be Traded Soon
Steven Matz appears to be the most likely pitcher the Cardinals will trade, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team expects to receive interest in the left-hander, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Matz is set to earn $12.5 million in 2024 and has no trade protections, making him a flexible option for the Cardinals to move as they aim to reduce payroll and secure the best possible deal.
The 33-year-old struggled with injuries in 2024, sidelined by a back strain on May 1 and not returning to the mound until September. He logged only 44.1 innings, posting a 5.08 ERA with 33 strikeouts during the season.
While Matz is no longer the standout pitcher he was during his time with the Mets, his ability to serve as both a starter and a reliever makes him an appealing trade target for teams seeking roster depth and long-term contract flexibility.
Moving On From A Longtime Starter
Miles Mikolas, another pitcher in the final year of his contract with the Cardinals, is set to earn $17.6 million in 2025. The right-hander, who rejoined the team in 2018 after a stint in Japan, faces a challenging trade outlook.
Despite these challenges, the Cardinals might still look to trade Mikolas as they aim to cut costs and prioritize younger talent. He could even be part of a larger package involving players like Nolan Arenado or Ryan Helsley.
On the plus side, Mikolas has been durable over the past three seasons, throwing 171.2 innings in 2024 and surpassing 200 innings in each of the two prior seasons. He remains a reliable, innings-eating option who could solidify the back end of the rotation for a contending team.
Reversing A 2024 Deadline Deal
At the 2024 trade deadline, the Cardinals acquired Erick Fedde in a deal that sent Tommy Edman to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, their priorities have since shifted. The team’s playoff push last season fell far short, and Fedde’s performance post-trade was underwhelming.
After returning from the Korean League, Fedde pitched effectively for the Chicago White Sox in 2024, posting a 3.11 ERA across 21 starts with a 7-4 record and a 4.7 WAR. However, after joining the Cardinals, he started 11 games with a 3.72 ERA, a 2-5 record, and a 0.9 WAR.
Fedde’s contract, set at $7.5 million for 2025, is more tradable than Miles Mikolas’. At 31 years old, Fedde is unlikely to receive an extension from the Cardinals, as they plan to incorporate younger arms from their pitching pipeline
While the Cardinals are less inclined to trade Fedde compared to Steven Matz or Mikolas, his strong 2024 season, younger age, and lower salary make him an attractive trade asset. As a result, he could bring back the best return, which might tempt the Cardinals to make a deal.
Leave a Reply