The San Francisco Giants could benefit from securing some resources to negotiate a deal for a veteran pitcher with an expiring contract.
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly considering trading veteran left-hander to reduce payroll, and the San Francisco Giants might be a potential suitor. MLB Trade Rumors has linked the Giants and the Texas Rangers as teams interested in acquiring the 33-year-old pitcher, while the St. Louis Post-Dispatch confirmed the Cardinals’ intentions to move him.
Although $12.5 million is owed to Him in 2025, his expiring contract and modest salary by MLB standards suggest he wouldn’t command a hefty return on the trade market. He signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals in 2022 but has delivered only middling results. Over three seasons, he has a 10-12 record, a 4.47 ERA, 185 strikeouts, and 57 walks across 197.1 innings in 52 games (34 starts).
Matz’s time in St. Louis has been marked by injuries and control issues, limiting him to a maximum of 17 starts in a single season (2023) and just 12 appearances (seven starts) last year. Despite these struggles, when healthy, He has shown the potential to perform at a league-average level, reminiscent of his 2018 season with the New York Mets (11-10, 3.97 ERA, 160 innings pitched).
The Giants, with a young rotation led by Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, and Hayden Birdsong, could benefit from Matz’s experience and ability to eat innings, particularly if prospects like Carson Whisenhunt or Mason Black aren’t yet ready for full-time roles. Additionally, Matz has been effective as a reliever, posting a 2.43 ERA over 33.1 relief innings with the Cardinals—his best ERA in any season.
Given his veteran presence and versatility, Matz could be a valuable asset for the Giants as they look to balance their youthful rotation.
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