The Atlanta Braves are still searching for a fifth starter to round out their rotation.
With it being reported that the St. Louis Cardinals are getting creative with ways to shed payroll, this could mean an opportunity for the Braves to capitalize.
Steven Matz is entering the final year of his contract and is set to be a free agent in 2026. The Braves would only have him for one year, but he would be set at a price of $12.5 million.
The Braves aren’t known for having an elite farm system the way baseball fans hear about teams like the Baltimore Orioles or Seattle Mariners. However, they still have some pieces the Cardinals could want.
Here is what a potential trade may look like:
- Atlanta Braves Acquire: SP Steven Matz
- St. Louis Cardinals Acquire: RHP Drue Hackenberg (Braves No. 9 Prospect), RHP Garrett Baumann (Braves No. 18 Prospect)
Hackenberg finished the 2024 season at Triple-A Gwinnett where he posted a 1.52 ERA in four starts. He recorded 18 strikeouts and 15 walks in 23 2/3 innings, numbers he will want to improve upon when the season starts. If everything goes as planned, he could make his debut in 2025.
This trade would give the Braves another left-handed pitcher for their rotation while the Cardinals would get two pitchers who could help them in the future. Matz’s price tag should be reasonable for the Braves who are looking to compete with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies for the National League East.
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