Full disclosure: this is not a Jeff Passan rumor. This is the Twitter account for a small Cardinals-focused media organization. However, they appear to have a rather strong track record, and it was believed early in the offseason by national reporters that the Cardinals, who attempted to trade Sonny Gray during the season but were prevented by his no-trade clause, planned to do some rebuilding and cost-cutting. So, the rumor below makes some sense.
If the Guardians are indeed working on additional pitcher swaps, I would be encouraged. Raising the floor of the rotation with some experienced veteran innings would be critical for this squad.
As I repeat that the rumors, such as they are, do not indicate that anything is imminent, let us take a short look at Erick Fedde and Steven Matz, the Cardinals’ most potential trade targets.
Fedde, a right-handed pitcher, appeared for both the White Sox and the Cardinals in 2024, totaling 177 innings, 7.82/2.64 K/BB/9, 3.30 ERA, and 3.86 FIP. Fedde is 31 years old and owed $7.5 million through 2025, after which he will be a free agent. Fedde would fit in perfectly as the third starter in the Guardians rotation, providing the team with an arm capable of throwing 175 innings, which is greatly needed. Fedde will cost any team that acquires him a significant amount of prospects, but he isn’t a front-line starter, so he can be obtained without trading Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana, or Kyle Manzardo.
Matz, a left-handed pitcher, is 33 and a half years old with a lifetime ERA of 4.29 and a K/BB/9 ratio of 8.55/2.72. Matz missed a significant amount of time last season due to recurring back troubles. Matz is owing $12.5 million in 2025 and will then be a free agent. Matz only pitched 40 innings last year, and they were not terrific, but the year before he threw 105 innings with a 3.86 ERA and an 8.40/2.74 K/BB/9. His predictions match that pitcher, so if there was any reason to believe in his ability, Matz would be an intriguing pickup. I’m expecting any team that acquires him will want the Cardinals to return some money in exchange for a better prospect.
We’ll see what happens, but I’m hoping, rumors or not, that the Guardians are exploring all options to add one more seasoned starting pitcher. Erick Fedde, in particular, makes more sense than any other possible candidate. The Guardians were interested in him in July but refused to pay an intra-division tax, so perhaps they will explore the notion with the Cardinals.
