So far in 2025, it’s become clear that the St. Louis Cardinals lack a strong pipeline of talent coming up from the minors. Their inability to trade Nolan Arenado for meaningful help last offseason highlighted that issue, and now things have taken another hit with top pitching prospect Cooper Hjerpe needing Tommy John surgery. Still, while the farm system isn’t as deep as fans might hope, it’s not completely depleted.
Back in August 2023, the Cardinals dealt Paul DeJong to the Blue Jays, and now they’re set to benefit from that trade as Matt Svanson is being called up to make his MLB debut.
In a corresponding move, RHP Roddery Muñoz has been optioned to Memphis.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 16, 2025
Cardinals recalling Matt Svanson to see if they actually won the Paul DeJong trade
In hindsight, the Cardinals made a smart move by trading Paul DeJong when they did. While he showed some power last season with 24 home runs split between the White Sox and Royals, his consistent struggles to hit above .230 have continued to limit his overall value, despite his pop and defensive abilities.
Now, the focus shifts to what Adam Svanson can bring to the major league level. Used exclusively as a reliever in the minors, Svanson features a mid-90s sinker and a more effective slider. He can miss some bats, but he primarily relies on generating groundballs—something that fits well with the Cardinals’ defensive strengths.
St. Louis’ bullpen has been average in terms of fWAR this season but trails in ERA. While Svanson probably won’t boost the team’s strikeout numbers or WAR, his ability to induce quick groundball outs could help stabilize the relief unit and give the team more flexibility with late-game matchups.
To make room, the Cardinals designated Roddery Muñoz—likely a more familiar name to fans—for assignment again. In his three big-league appearances this year, Muñoz has posted a 10.13 ERA, though his 1.13 WHIP is a bit more respectable.
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