The Cleveland Guardians are in the early stages of trade talks that could see them add veteran pitcher Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to a prediction by Patrick McAvoy on SI. This potential acquisition comes as the Guardians look to strengthen their roster following a solid run to the American League Championship Series in the previous season.
This offseason, the Guardians have made several moves to adjust their roster. They’ve signed veteran slugger Carlos Santana, re-signed key players like Shane Bieber and Austin Hedges, but they’ve also seen some significant departures. The team lost pitchers Matthew Boyd, Alex Cobb, and Carlos Carrasco, and traded away players like Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor, which has raised concerns about their overall depth.
Despite these moves, the team has not added enough reinforcements to counteract the losses. As a result, some analysts have raised doubts about their ability to contend in the upcoming season. In his most recent assessment of playoff contenders, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller labeled the Guardians as “pretenders.” He noted that while there is potential for players like Ben Lively to repeat his strong performance and Shane Bieber to return to form after Tommy John surgery, the Guardians’ rotation still lacks the depth and stability it needs to stay competitive. The team’s decision to trade away two of their most valuable position players in an effort to save money has further raised questions about their ability to compete at a high level.
Bringing in a seasoned pitcher like Matz could provide a boost to the Guardians’ rotation. Known for his steady presence on the mound, Matz could offer valuable innings and help fill the gaps left by the team’s departures. His experience could also provide leadership to a relatively young pitching staff, which would be an asset as the team looks to contend in the competitive American League Central.
As the Guardians continue to rework their roster, securing a pitcher like Matz could be a key step in ensuring they are better equipped to compete in 2025. While the team has had its challenges this offseason, adding an experienced veteran pitcher could be just what they need to make a strong push for the playoffs next season.
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