The Major League Baseball trade deadline is just 10 days away, and this next week’s slate of games will decide a lot in terms of what certain teams want to do in the final days before July 31st.
For the New York Mets, it’s understood that they are targeting depth pitchers. Whether it’s starters or relievers, New York is in a tight division race with the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Phillies have already been active on the market with the addition of David Robertson. The Mets are starting to get some of their starters back healthy and pitching again, but for contending teams, arms are always a hot commodity on the trade market.
For the St. Louis Cardinals, their first series after the All-Star game resulted in being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and they were jumped by the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Central. They are a team that could be headed towards a “soft sell”.
Trade Idea Lands Steven Matz in New York
In a recent trade idea, the New York Mets land a familiar face in Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals. Matz is on an expiring contract and is set to be a free agent after this season. Mainly used in a bullpen role this season, Matz has had a solid 2025 campaign. Over 52 innings this season, he has an ERA of 3.29 and 46 strikeouts. Matz is the exact type of addition the Mets should inquire about.
In an MLB.com report piece, they agree with the sentiment that the Mets are in desperate need of reliever arms:
“The Metsâ biggest priority at the Trade Deadline is supplementing their bullpen with multiple relievers, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic, who reports that they are willing to trade from their infield stockpile to address that need.
“With Pete Alonso at first, Francisco Lindor at short and Jeff McNeil at second (when he isnât playing the outfield), there are limited opportunities for young infielders Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña in the big leagues. So it makes sense that the Mets would be open to moving one or more of those players if it helps their roster elsewhere.”
Matz Had Great Success in New York
The New York Mets faithful should remember Matz for when he was a starter in New York. He was a part of some stellar rotations back in the late 2010s, and no, Matz was never an All-Star or Cy Young contender, but he had some solid numbers with New York. In 107 starts from 2015 to 2020, he had a 4.35 ERA and 552 strikeouts.
Now, he could be a quality option in the Mets’ bullpen as a long-inning reliever or as a matchup guy against lefties.
The 34-year-old Matz may be one of the St. Louis Cardinals’ moves at the deadline if they choose to sell off certain players.
For the Mets, they are expected to be all-in at the trade deadline this season as they are one of the contending clubs with World Series aspirations. Their bullpen needs reinforcements, and a guy like Matz could certainly get the job done for them down the stretch.
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