Many St. Louis Cardinals fans are likely ready to move on from Steven Matz, but if the team is looking to trade a starting pitcher to clear payroll, the decision should be about moving the cheaper option, Erick Fedde, rather than Matz.
Fedde has real value on the trade market. If he were a free agent this offseason, he could easily secure a multi-year deal worth $17-$22 million annually, based on the current market. As a result, acquiring a starter like Fedde—who’s only making $7.5 million in 2025—would be highly attractive to contenders looking to strengthen their rotations.
Even though the Cardinals are focused on moving Nolan Arenado to lower their payroll, if they are unsuccessful, they should consider trading either Matz or Fedde, with Fedde being the more logical option.
However, it’s important to note that the Cardinals’ reasoning for moving Fedde shouldn’t be purely financial. If they’re embarking on a reset, they should have already been looking to part ways with Fedde, given that he is set to become a free agent after 2025, and the Cardinals likely won’t bring him back on a multi-year deal.
His value is at its peak right now, so trading him while it’s high makes sense. While it’s possible Fedde could improve his stock further with a strong season, the value of starting pitchers is at a premium, so why not capitalize on this opportunity?
On the other hand, Matz, despite some interest from other clubs, is not expected to bring back significant value in a trade. While the Cardinals should certainly consider moving him if the right deal arises, if they are only moving one starting pitcher, it should be Fedde.
Matz, who signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals, has made 34 starts and 18 relief appearances over the past three seasons, posting a 4.47 ERA and 4.01 FIP.
He’s been frequently injured and hasn’t delivered the kind of consistency the team hoped for. However, holding onto Matz could make sense for the Cardinals’ 2025 plans.
Steven Matz,
If the Cardinals trade Fedde, Matz can step into a valuable insurance role. Fedde is essential to their rotation; he was the second-best starter behind Sonny Gray last year, posting a solid 3.30 ERA in 31 starts.
If Fedde is traded, the Cardinals have other options—Gray, Andre Pallante, Miles Mikolas, and potentially Kyle Gibson, who they’re interested in re-signing. But if Matz remains, he offers flexibility.
If the young pitchers like Michael McGreevy, Quinn Mathews, or Tink Hence don’t make the rotation out of Spring Training, Matz could easily be inserted in the rotation. If the young guys prove themselves, Matz could move to the bullpen or serve as insurance in case of injuries or struggles.
Ultimately, the Cardinals should prioritize trading Fedde, as he’s the most marketable and would bring a solid return. Trading him would also create the opportunities the team wants to provide to its younger pitchers.
Holding onto Matz makes sense for 2025, offering the flexibility to move between starting and relieving roles depending on how the young arms develop. If the Cardinals are serious about their reset, trading Fedde should be the clear move.
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