JUST IN: Cardinals Part Ways with Superstar Lefty in Blockbuster Trade Update

The Detroit Tigers are shaping up to be a serious postseason threat as the 2025 MLB season heads into its second half. With a league-best 49-30 record through June, the Tigers have taken firm control of the American League Central, holding an impressive eight-game lead over their closest competition. Now, with just over five weeks until the MLB trade deadline, Detroit is expected to be an aggressive buyer, positioning itself for a deep playoff run and possibly a long-awaited World Series appearance.

After falling short in the AL Division Series last season, Detroit has returned stronger in 2025, led by a rejuvenated rotation and improved production across the lineup. Starter Jack Flaherty is back in the fold, and Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal continues to dominate opposing lineups. Offensively, the team has received key contributions from role players, bolstering a lineup that lacked depth last year. Still, despite their impressive first-half performance, the Tigers appear to be one or two key acquisitions away from truly being complete.

Trade Partner: St. Louis Cardinals

One name that has started to surface in trade rumors is left-hander Steven Matz of the St. Louis Cardinals. In a recent trade candidates article, MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan highlighted Matz as a potential move for the Cardinals, a team teetering on the edge between contending and retooling.

St. Louis, which entered the season with limited offseason activity — including failed trade talks surrounding Nolan Arenado and the quiet signing of Phil Maton — has managed to exceed low preseason expectations. However, the team’s inconsistent performance and lack of direction make it a candidate to be sellers at the deadline, especially if they can get value for expiring contracts.

Matz: A Perfect Short-Term Fit for Detroit

Steven Matz, now in the final year of a four-year, $44 million contract, fits the mold of a low-risk, high-reward rental. Initially signed by St. Louis as a starter, Matz struggled with injuries and underwhelming numbers through the first three years of his deal, compiling a 4.47 ERA in just under 200 innings. But in 2025, he has experienced a resurgence in a new role — thriving as a multi-inning bullpen arm, where he’s posted a 2.66 ERA, a 1.89 FIP, and an excellent 38:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 40 2/3 innings.

Harrigan notes that despite Matz’s current bullpen role, his history as a starter could make him especially valuable to a team like Detroit, which is currently dealing with injury-related rotation issues, most notably the loss of top prospect Jackson Jobe to Tommy John surgery. The Tigers could use Matz either as a spot starter, long reliever, or even as an opener — providing essential versatility as they look to preserve their bullpen during the stretch run.

Low Cost, High Upside

Because Matz would be a short-term rental, the Tigers likely wouldn’t need to part with any top-tier prospects to get a deal done — especially if the Cardinals are willing to absorb part of his remaining salary. For a club pushing for its first World Series appearance since 2012, acquiring a pitcher like Matz could offer significant value without mortgaging the future.

As July approaches and contenders start making strategic moves, Detroit will almost certainly look to shore up its rotation and bullpen. With the team in control of its division and firing on all cylinders, a veteran arm like Matz could be the final piece in a championship puzzle — and the St. Louis Cardinals may just be the ideal trade partner to make it happen.