Cardinals Rumors: Hometown Player Frustrated by Trade Rumors Amid Strong Start for St. Louis

April 30, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton pitches during 2025 game.

Phil Maton’s dream of pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he grew up idolizing, has become reality—but it may not last long. 

The 32-year-old right-hander signed a one-year deal just before Opening Day and has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent bullpen arms. 

Through 15 appearances, he owns a 2.63 ERA and has allowed an earned run in just one outing. Still, as the Cardinals stumble to a sub-.500 record, Maton knows he’s a prime trade candidate. “It’s a constant reminder that this is baseball and it’s a business,” he said.

A short-lived homecoming?

The Chatham, Illinois native is acutely aware that his time in St. Louis could be fleeting, no matter how effective he's been in the eighth inning. 

With president of baseball operations John Mozeliak steering the organization toward youth and long-term flexibility, veterans like Maton on expiring deals could be moved at the deadline. “Pretty much every team we play against, it’s personal,” Maton said, referencing offseason negotiations that left him feeling overlooked. 

That chip on his shoulder has helped fuel his early success, but it hasn’t erased the sting of knowing he might be pitching for another team come August.

Cardinals face tough decision amid Maton's value

Maton has been as reliable as any reliever in the Cardinals' bullpen, stacking up holds and providing stability in front of closer Ryan Helsley. 

But in a season where St. Louis may soon pivot toward a youth movement, trading Maton for prospects is very much on the table. The hometown pitcher is delivering on the field, but the possibility of being dealt still looms large. “It’s really cool wearing this jersey every day,” he said, “but I know how this game works.”

Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images 

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