The Mets are targeting a former Met who is now with the Cardinals. Familiar with Citi Field, this lefty brings durability, versatility, and postseason experience as a bullpen stabilizer ahead of July 31.
With the July 31 trade deadline looming, the New York Mets have identified their weakest link: sustainable bullpen depth. A creative solution gaining buzz? A reunion with southpaw Steven Matz, now with the Cardinals. His 3.29 ERA over 52 innings in 2025 signals under-the-radar starter-to-bullpen potential, and he already understands the Queens mound. This could be one of the most fitting deadline fits for both sides.
Why Matz Makes Sense for the Mets
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Familiarity & Transition Ease – Matz spent years in New York before departing, and now, reentering, he’d slot into the bullpen or long-relief setup seamlessly.
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Pitching Versatility – In 2025, he’s worked 52 innings with a 3.29 ERA and 46 Ks. Whether in relief or spot-start, he gives strategic flexibility.
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Rotation Depth Insurance – With Senga and Manaea returning, Matz can fill innings and offer a steady veteran stabilizer.
Steven Matz as a starter:
4.31 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.17 K/BBSteven Matz as a reliever:
3.05 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 4.08 K/BBIt doesn’t have to be a bad thing to be moved to the bullpen. pic.twitter.com/IJ9IDQpk6R
— SleeperSTLCards (@SleeperSTL) June 4, 2025
Why the Cardinals May Part Ways
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Soft-Selling Mode – St. Louis recently got swept by Arizona and trails in the NL Central. While not fully in rebuild mode, they’re likely to entertain deals on veterans like Matz.
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Rentals, Not Core Pieces – Matz is on an expiring contract, and the Cardinals aren’t overly attached, making him tradeable before the deadline.
What New York Should Offer
Here’s a potential trade package that aligns with both clubs’ timelines and needs:
| Player(s) Traded | To Cardinals | Mets Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronny Mauricio (MLB-ready infielder) | X | Steven Matz (LHP reliever) | Affordable youth for NYU veteran; immediate bullpen boost |
| High-A pitching prospect (e.g., Jose Butto) | X | Bullpen/RP depth | Balancing haul while not weakening NY trade depth |
Why it works:
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For the Mets:Â Matz provides a multi-role arm familiar with Citi Field, stabilizing late-inning and multi-inning usage.
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For the Cardinals:Â They gain controllable talent with upside (Mauricio) plus pitching depth while selling at a soft point.
Ronny Mauricio is hitting .344 with a 1.010 OPS in his last 10 games
Mauricio should be in the lineup every day, specifically against right-handed pitching pic.twitter.com/eDRndrxD4u
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) July 9, 2025
This isn’t a blockbuster, but it fits with the Mets’ current narrative: smart, surgical upgrades rather than farm-moving gambles. Steven Matz offers exactly what they need: a versatile arm in a high-pressure environment, with no adjustment period required. With the Cardinals considering offers, a reunion this July looks increasingly plausible.
Let me know if you’d like bullpen usage breakdowns, cost comparisons with other southpaws like Danny Coulombe, or how Matz fits into Mets postseason projections.
