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Latest On Cardinals’ Bullpen Trade Candidates

By Steve Adams | July 18, 2025 at 10:25am CDT

Cardinals lefty Steven Matz has drawn some trade interest as the July 31 deadline inches closer, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (video link, bullpen talk beginning around the 4:10 mark). “There are a handful of teams at least poking around on Matz,” per Goold. He adds that the Cardinals will also likely be open to offers on righty Phil Maton but would need a very strong offer to trade closer Ryan Helsley, who could receive a qualifying offer if he’s not moved.

[Related: St. Louis Cardinals Trade Deadline Outlook]

Matz, 34, is in the final season of a four-year, $44MM contract. He’s being paid $12MM this season and has about $4.65MM of that sum yet to be paid out. By the time deadline day rolls around, he’ll have about $3.8MM to go on that contract.

While the four-year deal hasn’t panned out as hope — Matz was injured/ineffective in both 2022 and 2024 — the 2025 season has been a good one for the veteran lefty. Matz has pitched well in two starts (nine innings, one run, 11 strikeouts, no walks) but has spent the majority of the season working in a multi-inning relief role. He’s pitched to a 3.35 ERA in 51 innings overall, fanning 21.4% of his opponents and limiting walks at a terrific 4.3% clip. He’s hit a rough patch of late, allowing nine runs in his past dozen innings, but it’s generally been a nice rebound year for the southpaw.

Goold adds that Matz has drawn interest from teams looking to fill a variety of roles. He obviously has a long track record as a starter and is pitching in multi-inning stints right now. It’d be possible to stretch Matz back out as a relatively under-the-radar target for teams seeking to fortify the back end of the rotation. Conversely, Matz has clear value in his current multi-inning role, and he has the stuff and results to succeed in a more traditional single-inning setup role.

Maton, 32, has been one of the top bargain pickups of the offseason. He surprisingly languished on the free-agent market into March despite a nice 2024 season — really, a nice three-year run from 2022-24 — and ultimately signed for a modest $2MM guarantee with the Cards. He’s been a key arm in the St. Louis bullpen, pitching 35 1/3 innings with a 2.55 ERA, a 30.4% strikeout rate rate and a 9.5% walk rate. That strikeout rate would be a career-best in a 162-game season.

The lack of interest in Maton may have stemmed from some worrying trends with regard to his velocity. He’s never been a hard-thrower, but last year’s 88.7 mph average on his cutter and 87.5 mph average on his sinker were steps down from the prior season (and a career-worst with regard to his sinker). He’s added about two miles per hour to each pitch in 2025, sitting 90.4 mph on his cutter and 89.5 mph on his sinker.

It’s still below-average velocity, but this is the fourth straight year that Maton has enjoyed success with meager heat on his pitches — and he’s only owed about $774K more of this year’s salary as of this writing ($634K after deadline day). Budget-crunched teams seeking a reliable setup arm should have interest. Maton has already tied a career-high with 18 holds, and he’s picked up a pair of saves as well.

As for the 31-year-old Helsley, he’s enjoying a strong season overall but hasn’t matched his 2024 dominance. Last year, the flamethrowing righty notched a 2.04 ERA with an NL-best 49 saves while fanning 29.7% of his opponents. This season, he’s pitched to a 3.27 ERA with a 24.8% strikeout rate, a 9.7% walk rate and 19 saves. He’s still owed about $3.17MM of this year’s $8.2MM salary (a number that’ll dip to $2.6MM by the day of the deadline itself).

Last year’s qualifying offer clocked in at $21.05MM. That number figures to rise this season. It’d be a steep price to pay for one year of any reliever, but there’s a good chance Helsley would still reject the QO and look for a lucrative multi-year contract. He won’t command an AAV that strong on a longer-term deal, but this offseason will represent his best chance to cash in on a long-term deal.

There’ll surely be some temptation to accept that sizable one-year deal and test the open market post-2026, without the burden of draft pick compensation, but doing so runs the risk of incurring an injury or major downturn in performance next year. Relief pitching is immensely volatile on a year-to-year basis. There’s also the looming specter of a potential lockout in the 2026-27 offseason, given the Dec. 2026 expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement. Having a multi-year deal in place is surely preferable to being a free agent in such an uncertain offseason.

If Helsley were to reject a QO and sign for more than $50MM total — which seems quite attainable — the Cardinals would receive a compensatory pick after the first round in the 2026 draft. Any return on Helsley would need to reflect that. It’s also possible the Cardinals have some hope of keeping Helsley, whether via that one-year QO or perhaps by negotiating a multi-year extension after making said offer. Helsley has said in the past that he’d love to stay in St. Louis long-term.

Any decisions on Helsley — and, to a lesser extent, Matz and Maton — will hinge on the Cardinals’ play in the early stages coming out of the All-Star break. At 51-46 on the season, they’re currently 6.5 games back of the division-leading Cubs but only 1.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot in the National League.

The Cardinals open the season’s second half with a pivotal three-game road set against a D-backs club in a similar position of needing to string together some wins to avoid a notable deadline sell-off. The Cardinals, 22-26 on the road versus 29-20 at home, will send Andre Pallante, Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas to the mound. Arizona will counter with Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Merrill Kelly. The Cardinals then head to Colorado for three games before hosting the Padres and Marlins in their final two series prior to the July 31 trade deadline. With a strong performance over the next 12 games, they could opt to hold onto most of their veterans and look to add pieces, while a string of series losses could be the deciding factor in trading away short-term veterans.

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St. Louis Cardinals Phil Maton Ryan Helsley Steven Matz

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86 Comments

  1. King. Of. Cards

    2 months ago

    The Cardinals are 5 games above 500 and in the wild card race. Why the heck would they trade their good players???

    Have some sense fellas. This site keeps talking about how the Cardinals are going to trade away their players and it keeps not happening. How many times do you need to be proven wrong before you figure it out???

    1
    Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      2 months ago

      See how this comment ages after the trade deadline/offseason.

      Changes are coming, sir.

      8
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        Thats what this site said all offseason. And it never happened.

        The team is 5 games above 500. They have a better record than over half the league. Why would anyone assume they are going to sell? Its not based in logic just stupid opinions this site doesnt want to admit they were wrong about.

        1
        Reply
        • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

          2 months ago

          They will sell because no one expected them to win this many games and if they don’t sell then they will either collapse in august or do nothing in October

          6
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          That makes no sense.

          The Mariners have made the playoffs once in the last 20 plus years. I dont think you are the person who understands this subject.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          2 months ago

          It depends on the offers of course. That said, I’m not a Mets’ fan but living in NY, I remember when Matz came up and can’t believe he’s 34. Time flies…

          Reply
        • deeds

          2 months ago

          They should sell because they are not a good team. They need to get something for these players or will regret it when they watch the playoffs.

          1
          Reply
        • n2thecards

          2 months ago

          Moving 2 or 3 relievers at the deadline would not equate to selling. It would be helpful for next year’s team to move Matz and Maton for the right return. I would still like to see an extension for Helsley but I’m not holding my breath. If the team performs well through the deadline, we might only see Matz moved and Fedde DFA’d. This team while it is playing competitive baseball is probably more than a move or two from a deep playoff run. There are several relievers that can replicate what Matz & Maton are doing in relief. If you see Herrera, Burleson, Liberatore and others traded, that would signal “selling”.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          Yes moving 2 good late inning relievers would be selling. Contending teams dont trade away talent at the deadline.

          What do you think Matz and Maton are worth? Matz is making 12.5 million. Maton is cheap he has some value. What ground breaking prospects would we get for those 2 guys? Fedde and Mikolas could be DFAd and the team would probably be better off.

          Nobody is replicating what Matz and Maton are doing. If it was that easy then other teams wouldn’t want them.

          Reply
        • n2thecards

          2 months ago

          Matz is only owed about $4 mil the rest of the way. He and Maton can both fetch a return. What I’m saying is that trading those 2 and possibly letting Fedde go wouldn’t hurt this current team’s chances of competing this year. Trading away multiple starters and position players would. They wanted to be in a position like this at the beginning of the season. I’m also saying we have depth in the bullpen to account for Matz & Maton. Not saying that we have guys who can pitch just like them or are better. I hope they can make some moves that will help in the future and not prevent them from competing this year.

          1
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          Getting rid of one or both of Fedde and Mikolas is fine that makes sense. But trading away 2 of the teams best relievers makes no sense at all.

          Reply
        • n2thecards

          2 months ago

          If they don’t think this team can compete with the Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers, Phillies or Mets in the NL, they will definitely entertain offers. Are you really confident this group can beat any of those teams in a Wild Card where the better record hosts all 3? This year’s team is below .500 on the road.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          Do you remember when the 2011 Cardinals went up against the Phillies in the first round of the playoffs? Were you confident they would win that series?

          Such a frontrunner mentality for fans that have seen this team repeatedly win when it wasnt the frontrunner. Are you really young or do you just have a poor memory?

          Reply
        • n2thecards

          2 months ago

          I don’t have a poor memory but I also don’t see any traits in this year’s roster that are like the 2006 or 2011 teams. In 2004 and 2013 I thought we had the best roster and group of guys to win it all until we ran into the Boston buzzsaw. Those 2006 & 2011 teams had better players from top to bottom, a HoF manager and a top-tier pitching coach.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          The team is 5 games above 500. They are doing something right. Just because they are exceeding your expectations doesnt mean they should stop trying to win. Thats ridiculous you would think that.

          Reply
        • n2thecards

          2 months ago

          I want them to keep winning and I believe they can finish above .500 if they deal a couple of relievers on expiring contracts. What I don’t believe is that this year’s team is a Colby Rasmus trade away from putting it all together. I will continue to root for this team either way.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          I dont know if a Rasmus type trade will lead the team to a championship. But I absolutely think a trade like that makes sense. Trading Jordan Walker makes sense. I dont think the team has a lot to lose just like it didn’t lose a lot when they traded Rasmus.

          If you want the team to keep winning you should want them to keep their good players. That includes the relievers.

          Reply
      • Garywally57

        2 months ago

        It needs to happen. This team is going nowhere. Get something for all pending free agents while you can.

        1
        Reply
    • Gary R

      2 months ago

      Ahhh a Cardinal fantasizer. Have the Cardinals want anything in the past few years with Harvey’s players no and they’re not gonna win anything again this year. They’ve already lost on new bar where nobody wants him and they should’ve traded Helsley two years ago and gotten something for him now he’s not worth a hill of beans

      1
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        Harvey’s players?

        New bar?

        The Cardinals have a lot of fans in rural areas. Some of those fans are less educated than others.

        Reply
    • Manfred Rob's Earth Band

      2 months ago

      I really hope you are right and the Cards don’t sell. That way they can settle for mediocrity as usual.

      1
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        As usual? The team has more championships than anyone in the history of baseball except the Yankees. The team won the draft lottery and picked 5th in the most recent draft which was the earliest they have picked since 1998.

        Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      2 months ago

      Seems pretty darn obvious this team is still built as a .500-type of team. We’ve had the year to let things shake out and we’re not much closer to turning the corner without serious moves, most of which seem to necessitate selling.

      If Chaim/Mo do want to make headway, it seems pretty clear some major moves need to happen sooner than later, probably with a combo of buying/selling.

      The young core of a good team is here, but they need slug and at least one high end starter.

      – Herrera to the outfield. Walker to the bench or on the block. Noot and Burly fight it out to start.
      – Find a legit veteran full-time DH with slug.
      – Try to trade Nado again. Gorman to Memphis or goes on the block. Find a suitable fit (with slug) to take over 3rd.
      – Wetherholt to 2nd. Trade Donnie (which is a killer. He’s my favorite Cardinal).
      – Get a legit, full-time starting catcher, unless Jimmy Crooks is ready to go, which is probably 50/50.
      – Trade Matz and Helsley. Release Fedde. Bring up McGreevy.
      – Contreras wants to stay and he has enough value, so he stays.

      Cards need slug and starting pitching, and two relievers, so act accordingly, sooner than later.

      1
      Reply
      • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

        2 months ago

        Uh oh you just said the forbidden words of trading Donovan… incoming cardinals fan about to attack your comment and your username

        Whenever someone says trade Donovan or trade Jarren Duran it always rubs someone the wrong way which I don’t get

        3
        Reply
        • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

          2 months ago

          Donnie is a fan favorite for a reason; he’s great.

          But he’s blocking Wetherholt and JJ is cheaper, more controllable and ready to play. He’s also able to play top-tier SS, which gives the club options in the infield. If Donnie hit 20 dingers a year instead of 12, it might be different, but this is where we are.

          He’s a great Cardinal, but we need to trade from a place of surplus and value…and that’s Donnie.

          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          Uhh…. Neither Donovan nor Wetherholt are capable of playing “top tier SS”. But you are correct, Donovan should be available. Everyone should be available including JJ. They need a lot so they’ll have to be willing to give to get.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          Why would they trade Donovan?

          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          Because he would be a really good role player on a really good team that could fill in around the diamond to give the real stars a day off. He’s one of if not the best chip they have to get a nice return of A+ and/or AA players. Your then kind of fan they know will show up anyway so why would they not do it?

          Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        I agree Walker and Gorman need to go. And Crooks could be dealt too because him and Bernal are basically at the same point in their development. Those 3 guys can bring back players that help the team win in 2025 and perhaps longer. Thats the kind of moves I want to see.

        Reply
    • That guy you argue with on the Internet.

      2 months ago

      You should change your handle to House. Of. Cards. That is what this team is at present. Fortunately they are well run and don’t mortgage the future for a glimmer of the postseason. You should count yourself lucky to be a fan of a middle market team that excels at keeping the on field product so competitive year in and year out.

      Reply
  2. DonOsbourne

    2 months ago

    The Cardinals will not give Helsley a QO. He would be too likely to accept.

    4
    Reply
    • Acoss1331

      2 months ago

      I don’t think they trade him, unless it’s a really good package, but Matz is moving I would think.

      2
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        Matz is making a ton of money. Does he actually have positive trade value? I doubt it.

        1
        Reply
        • Acoss1331

          2 months ago

          Relievers are always in demand, and he’s the one piece that would hurt to trade.

          1
          Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      2 months ago

      Matz as a reliever, long-reliever, or spot starter is worth 1/3rd of his $10m contract. Someone will pick him up and give up something reasonable for him.

      2
      Reply
  3. sean-11

    2 months ago

    Trade every expiring contract and explore Donovan and noot markets pls n thx. Getting the third wild card and getting swept out of the playoffs is not worth losing out on potentially strengthening this team for 26-27. The only reason they’re in contention is Arizona and Atlanta flopping let’s not kid ourselves. For the love of god GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE

    10
    Reply
    • cards81

      2 months ago

      Exactly Sean…who cares if the cardinals are in the wild card race lol…they clearly are not a playoff team

      7
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        You are both lame.

        Reply
        • sean-11

          2 months ago

          lol yes the always lame pragmatic approach. I’m sorry that I desire to see this team win another World Series. Any honest fan should be hyper aware that this team as currently constructed is VERY far from being capable of doing that

          6
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          The 2006 team won 83 games in the regular season

          The 2011 team was never supposed to beat the league best Phillies.

          You get in the playoffs and once you are in anything can happen. You dont have to be a front runner to win it all. And you dont have to be a front runner fan to enjoy the season.

          Reply
        • sean-11

          2 months ago

          Entirely fair argument but completely different situations. First off, both teams had Pujols and Carpenter. ‘06 team legit wasn’t “fully” healthy until October. True talent, they were not an 83 win team. 11 team was absolutely loaded. Arguably 5 hitters better than anyone on this roster. Bullpen was loaded after Rasmus trade. Carp injury early, albert injury and no SP depth sunk them in the middle. Ryan freaking Franklin blew 400 saves before June. Those two teams have little to nothing in common with this roster. Talent wise, they dwarf this team. And the NL as a whole is significantly better

          4
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          So because the team isn’t as good as you want it to be they shoupd just pack it in and quit?

          Listen to yourself. Good lord man I hope you dont have kids. They will grow up to be quitters like you.

          Reply
        • sean-11

          2 months ago

          Sir you are arguing for something that doesn’t exist. Or just enjoying proving that you don’t fully understand the dynamics of the sport as currently constructed

          3
          Reply
        • Payne Train

          2 months ago

          Should*
          lol Why are you so angry :(:(

          1
          Reply
        • hottakesonly

          2 months ago

          @king why are you so upset about other people’s opinions lol. It’s just silly to care this much about nothing.

          4
          Reply
        • deeds

          2 months ago

          Change your name to King of Stupid

          1
          Reply
    • STLBirds86

      2 months ago

      Lame for having an opinion about that Cards? I don’t think you trade Donovan though as you build around players like that. Cards need to spend money next year. I use to go watch a lot of games but the last 2 years have been a struggle to go watch. Wishing for the best next year. If owners don’t spend this offseason might be time to find a buyer for the team who will spend.

      2
      Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        The team has played well with ownership not spending anything last offseason. Why cant they spend some at the deadline and improve the team now? Why do you not see that as a possibility?

        I am tired of these idiotic entitled fans talking about how they stopped going to games then complaining the team stopped spending. As if the 2 things aren’t linked together.

        Reply
        • STLBirds86

          2 months ago

          Not entitled just not driving an hour to go see a triple A team play that often. I love the cards as I have tattoos of them. Would be nice to see them be buyers and make a push.

          4
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          If you don’t want to go to games then dont. But stop complaining the team isn’t spending money. You lose that right when you stop going to games. Thats how it works bozo.

          Reply
        • STLBirds86

          2 months ago

          You mad bro?! 😎 not sure why you have to call names must be a democrat..

          7
          Reply
        • Garywally57

          2 months ago

          The RATS are always full of hate.

          1
          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          Do you think the NL Central is going to take all 3 wild card spot? If you don’t then you can’t really think the cardinals are making the playoffs. They are trending in the wrong direction while Cincinnati is passing them by. The team has no star power to carry them when their max effort guys can’t come through. This team is tiring out from over achieving. It happens to clubs every year. They will finish 4th at best in the division. So why exhausted the players even more when they dont stand a chance? They have a team full of role players that would fit well with any of the real contenders and help them toward the push. But a team full of role players doesn’t win because they don’t have the high end talent to be able to lean on for a few days.

          2
          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          That’s not how it works clown. I have spent more money on the cardinals then you ever will. Just because I choose to go see them play in other cities doesn’t mean I get to complain about the way things currently are. It’s the exact opposite. The current paying customers don’t really care about the club, they go to Busch stadium for a social event or because they had to buy some fund raiser tickets. The long time loyals who have stopped attending are the ones they should be paying attention to.

          And since you seem like that kind of person I’ll fill you in on another false phrase. If you didn’t vote, you still get to complain. In the totality of the votes, Your one vote doesn’t make a difference. You still pay taxes and sometimes there isn’t a choice worth getting behind.

          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          You are not a Cardinals fan you are a troll.

          I have been to over 300 games in my lifetime.

          You are a troll.

          1
          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          300? Wow. That was just one 5 year period for me. But it doesn’t have to be a d measuring contest. But you do seem too root for things that have no shot of winning. A lot of people bought the monthly standing room only packages to go the Budweiser terrace and hang out while catching zero of the game.

          1
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          You are a liar and a fake. I need to mute you tired of reading your garbage.

          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          Hahaha. I am actually wearing the STL shirt I bought when I attended the London Series game in 2023. Did I see you there?

          1
          Reply
        • STLBirds86

          2 months ago

          Pretty sure you are the troll.

          Reply
    • Payne Train

      2 months ago

      1000% correct, they need to be selling anything that has 2 years or less control and preparing for the next wave and stop living in mediocrity. Arenado, Gray and Contreras are much more likely to accept a trade once the Cards start trading a couple of those guys.

      3
      Reply
  4. rememberthecoop

    2 months ago

    The main reason for reliever volatility is simply sample size. ERA is never a good stat to consider when evaluating a relievers performance. Over 40 – 70 IP averages can easily get skewed one way or the other.

    Reply
  5. Gwynning

    2 months ago

    Got my daily laugh at K.O.C.’s terrible posts… absolutely love when the Cards get a write-up and he gets his panties in a bunch!

    6
    Reply
    • STLBirds86

      2 months ago

      Can’t say anything about the Cards if you don’t go to games.. 🤡 😂

      1
      Reply
      • Gwynning

        2 months ago

        Hey he’s consistent at least… always the worst takes! Hahaha

        3
        Reply
        • STLBirds86

          2 months ago

          Never really made comments on here so no idea what he or she does..

          1
          Reply
        • Gwynning

          2 months ago

          Well, you got a pretty good sample today of whatever it is they do on the daily! Good luck STL, beat the Dodgers every chance you get please!

          5
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          Gwynning hopefully you get to experience what its like for your team to win a championship in your lifetime. Until then stay classy San Diego.

          Reply
        • Gwynning

          2 months ago

          Go suck a lemon Joel, you’ll be less bitter.

          Reply
      • King. Of. Cards

        2 months ago

        You cant say in one breath you stopped going to games and spending money on the team and then in the next breath whine the team isnt spending money. Thats a common thing for Cardinals fans to do lately you think it makes you look cool but it doesnt.

        Reply
        • Jose Tattoo-vay

          2 months ago

          Maybe some Cardinals fans don’t live in the STL metropolitan area, Joel.

          1
          Reply
        • King. Of. Cards

          2 months ago

          You can live wherever you want. What i said was you cant give speeches about how you no longer attend games and in the same breath whine and complain the team doesnt spend money.

          I live in Denver. Perhaps you already know that whoever you are. I dont spend money on the team like I used to. I also dont whine and complain that the team isnt spending money like they used to.

          Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      2 months ago

      Muted him today. Just can’t take any more from KOC.

      1
      Reply
      • STLBirds86

        2 months ago

        Him living in Denver is enough said..

        1
        Reply
  6. hottakesonly

    2 months ago

    Shocked Matz made it to year 4 and is still there tbh.

    2
    Reply
  7. ih8tepaperstraws

    2 months ago

    Too many Cardinals fans are blind faithful. We could he the worst fan base in baseball. The Cubs fans used to to take that. They always thought he hey had the base team in baseball all through the 90’s and early 2000s even though they were mostly terrible that entire time. Now most Cardinal “fans” think the same. The most consistent thing about cardinals fans is that they don’t actually watch baseball. Just the cardinals. So they most shouldn’t really speak on the subjects. I had Cardinals season tickets from 2006 – 2016 so I have a really good grasp on the local STL fandom. Gave up the season tickets before 2017 because this debacle was very easy to see coming and it’s not getting better anytime soon unless a major haul occurs and that included Bloom too.

    1
    Reply
    • STLBirds86

      2 months ago

      I don’t think “we” think the same. It’s hard to have a great team for years then have a couple down years. I love all of baseball as fantasy baseball keeps me in the loop. When you have a great team and all that talent then have a couple mediocre years just not the norm. Wishing for the best! Go Cards! It will be interesting to see what Bloom does.

      1
      Reply
      • ih8tepaperstraws

        2 months ago

        Their current pitching situation was very easy to see coming. They could have made moves anytime from 2014 -2023 to make it better. They didn’t. The had almost a decade to draft or acquire and develop and haven’t been able to do so. They really thought they had a great farm and were set up for contained success. And now they are trying to corse correct without being honest with themselves about where they are.

        1
        Reply
  8. ih8tepaperstraws

    2 months ago

    There is no way they offer Helsley the QO. He would absolutely take it. They will use the pending work stoppage as a reason to not spend anywhere and every non rookie deal player possible. Thats been the plan the entire time. Just like in Boston, Bloom is here to do nothing but cut player costs as far as possible.

    There should be no untouchables in this trade deadline as they need to bring back as many lottery picks as possible and hope to get lucky.

    1
    Reply
  9. ih8tepaperstraws

    2 months ago

    If I’m Bloom, I’m telling Mozaliak to figure out the NTC issues and call Cleveland. Offer Gray/Contreres, Winn/Wetherholt and Sagesse/Pretio/Gorman/Walker for Genoa and DeLauter. Or calling Seattle and offering Arenado/Contreres and Sagesse/Prieto/Gorman/Walker for Lazaro Montes and Hancock.

    Probably isn’t enough for either Cleveland and Seattle to pull the trigger, especially Cleveland, but it should get the conversation started.

    1
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    • ih8tepaperstraws

      2 months ago

      Donovan could be part too, but he doesn’t really have any power upside either team is looking for, especially in Cleveland. But whatever it takes to get better sooner should he the mentality.

      Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      2 months ago

      Nado isn’t going to Seattle or Cleveland. Nado wants a ring. Period.

      Contreras opted to stay, even after all the BS the front office put him through the last couple of years. Doesn’t seem like he wants to waive his NTC.

      Sonny’s people are in Nashville and he has wanted to be a Cardinal for a long time. He (with his NTC) knew ’25 would be a transition year, but chose to stay.

      So, with that, telling Mo/Bloom to “figure out” the NTC situations is a lot more easy to say than to do.

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      • ih8tepaperstraws

        2 months ago

        Maybe but it’s really about the money. That’s all NTCs are, another way to squeeze more money from the org en lieu of allowing them to be traded. Arenado isn’t in my Cleveland dealing. They have no need for him, but Seattle on the other hand does and has an actual shot at the playoffs.

        So while I’m sure they all have a big piece of their heart reserved for Saint Louis and will always comeback for more Ted Drew’s and trips up the arch, it’s all lip service and can change instantly when offered a few more million $$.

        Reply
        • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

          2 months ago

          None of the (aging) NTC players are worth more than they’re being paid. They’re valuable, but all on the wrong side of 30, so who the heck is going to throw money at any of them?

          And Nado only wants a ring. Period. Full stop.

          Reply
        • ih8tepaperstraws

          2 months ago

          Any team that needs a number 2 or 3 starting pitcher, a third basemen or a 1B/Catcher/DH with a little Pop. It’s all about if a team wants to go all in or not. Jays need pitching, I’m sure they love a Gray for the push and to start a playoff game. The cardinals have a lot of complimentary pieces that would make a difference in other teams. Their problem is that the entire team is made up of completely pieces.

          Reply
        • DonOsbourne

          2 months ago

          @ Uncle Charlie

          I agree with most of what you’re saying, but I think Arenado’s #1 priority is getting back home. He had the Angels on his six team list. That’s not because of championship aspirations.

          I think the Angels are the best opportunity to move Arenado. He wants LA, they need a 3B, and Arte values brand power.

          Reply
  10. Bob Ivy Jr

    1 month ago

    I see the Cardinals being sellers after being swept by the Diamondbacks. They should play better against the Rockies. If they lose 2 out of the 3 against Colorado then they have no business being in the playoff. On the other hand if they can pull off a 10 or more game win streak then they should buy.

    1
    Reply

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