San Francisco Giants Eyeing Veteran Starter as Trade Option
The San Francisco Giants could explore acquiring a veteran arm as they look to bolster their young pitching rotation. The St. Louis Cardinals, aiming to trim payroll, are reportedly open to trading left-hander Steven Matz, creating a potential match between the two teams.
MLB Trade Rumors has linked the Giants and the Texas Rangers as possible suitors for Matz, a 33-year-old veteran who is on the final year of a four-year, $44 million deal he signed with the Cardinals in 2022. Matz is set to earn $12.5 million in 2025, a relatively modest figure by MLB standards. Given his expiring contract and recent performance, he might not command a high return in a trade.
Since joining the Cardinals, Matz has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Over three seasons, he has posted a 10-12 record with a 4.47 ERA across 52 games (34 starts), striking out 185 batters and issuing 57 walks in 197.1 innings. His best season came in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he went 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA.
Prior to his stint in St. Louis, Matz spent six seasons with the New York Mets, compiling a 31-41 record and a 4.35 ERA. Injuries and control issues have limited his contributions, with his highest workload for the Cardinals being 17 starts in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Matz’s league-average numbers suggest he could provide value as a reliable innings-eater for a team like the Giants. San Francisco’s rotation, headlined by Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, and Hayden Birdsong, could benefit from Matz’s experience, especially if prospects like Carson Whisenhunt or Mason Black aren’t ready for full-time roles.
Additionally, Matz has proven effective in relief, posting a 2.43 ERA over 33.1 innings as a reliever for the Cardinals, the best ERA of his career. This versatility adds to his appeal as a potential addition for the Giants.
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