Cardinals pitcher linked to New York Yankees at trade deadline

Thought the St. Louis Cardinals are still in the National League Wild Card race, it seems that the team is going the selling route on July 31 this year, with many stars such as future Hall of Fame third baseman Nolan Arenado and pitchers Sonny Gray and Ryan Helsley. 

However, there also lies another hot name in the Cardinals staff that hasn't received as much talk as his All-Star teammates, and that is relief pitcher Steven Matz. 

And according to Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants, the home that Matz needs could be in The Bronx with the New York Yankees, who have hit a sluggish part of the year, sitting second in the AL East behind the Toronto Blue Jays. 

"Matz is still owed approximately $6 million this year when prorating his salary. That's a decent chunk of change for a 34-year-old swingman regardless of his success in relief," Gauvain wrote. "Therefore, a team with some financial wiggle room would be an excellent partner for Steven Matz."

With the Yanks in need of a southpaw arm in the pen, Matz would fit the criteria perfectly, posting a 3.23 earned run average and 46 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched, presenting himself as a reliable swingman for any team to take. 

And with Devin Williams still looking for a return to prime form and Luke Weaver still fighting off injuries, Matz could spell relief for the Yankees, one of many major league teams that have bullpen arms at the top of their trade deadline shopping list.