Inside The Cardinals

Phillies Could Snag Cardinals Veteran Reliever On Trade Market

Philadelphia is gearing up for another run at the World Series

Colin Keane

Aug 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (not pictured) hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (not pictured) hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Between now and July 31, Philadelphia's front office will be tasked with adding pieces to ensure World Series contention.

Part of that blueprint must involve bullpen reinforcements, especially if the Phillies want to survive the gauntlet that promises to be the National League postseason.

Philadelphia should be monitoring the St. Louis Cardinals as important sellers, especially as MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan recently identified 34-year-old reliever Steven Matz as a possible trade chip.

“The Cardinals’ most intriguing trade candidate is arguably Matz, who is in the final year of a four-year, $44 million deal," Harrigan said.

"Initially signed to be a starter, Matz dealt with injuries and had a 4.47 ERA in 197 1/3 innings during the first three years of his deal. However, he has found new life as a multi-inning reliever in 2025, posting a 2.66 ERA with a 1.89 FIP, 38 strikeouts and four walks over 40 2/3 innings. That could make him a coveted option for clubs seeking bullpen help, though the Cardinals will likely have to eat some money to get back a notable return.”

Matz’s ability to handle multiple innings could provide manager Rob Thomson with a flexible weapon in high-leverage situations.

To acquire Matz, the Phillies could craft a package centered around mid-tier prospects.

This trade could be a win-win, giving the Phillies a proven arm to chase a World Series title while providing the Cardinals with assets to bolster their ongoing youth movement.

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Colin Keane
COLIN KEANE

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for "St. Louis Cardinals On SI." Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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