Cardinals Could Trade $2 Million Star Reliever Before Deadline
Could the St. Louis Cardinals move their lone free agent acquisition?
Despite winning 19 of their last 25 games and sitting eight games above .500 after a 2-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday, the Cardinals are still facing speculation about the trade deadline. While many expected the team to sell, it now looks like St. Louis could be in a position to buy or at least hold steady.
However, their recent success hasn’t completely quashed the idea that they may still make some moves, potentially dealing a player or two, or even balancing moves in both directions.
Scott Plaza of Redbird Rants highlighted reliever Phil Maton—St. Louis’s only free agent signing—as a possible trade candidate.
“I’m cautious about labeling an important bullpen piece as ‘expendable,’ but Phil Maton seems like a player who could be moved, whether the Cardinals are in contention or not,” Plaza wrote.
Maton would be an attractive trade piece, primarily due to his affordable contract. In contrast, closer Ryan Helsley is earning $8.2 million this season and could command even more in free agency next year. Teams might hesitate to invest heavily in a rental and opt for a more affordable, reliable option like Maton instead.
Maton has been outstanding for the Cardinals this season, posting a 2.45 ERA in 24 appearances. Though he has a loss on his record, he’s become a solid setup man and could bring a strong return in a trade.
It will be intriguing to see which direction the Cardinals choose to go as the deadline approaches.
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