5 pitchers the St. Louis Cardinals could target this offseason

Mike Maddux of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on from the top step of dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 05, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brewers defeated the Cardinals 6-5. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Mike Maddux of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on from the top step of dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 05, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brewers defeated the Cardinals 6-5. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Steven Matz #22 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Steven Matz #22 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Steven Matz

Steven Matz had a pretty decent year with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. Could this translate into a better contract for the 30-year-old lefty? He could be another option the Cardinals could consider for an opener or middle innings pitcher.

In 29 games started in 2021, Matz was 14-7 with 150.2 innings thrown. He gave up 43 walks while striking out 144.

Matz uses a mix of a sinker, changeup, curveball and slider. He used his sinker a majority of the time. The sinker averaged 94.5 mph with 18.4 inches of vertical drop and an active spin of 99%. His changeup averaged 85.1 mph with 34.6 inches of vertical drop and an active spin of 86%. His curveball averaged 77.6 mph with 54.8 inches of vertical drop and an active spin of 82%. His slider averaged 88.9 mph with 28.9 inches of vertical drop and an active spin of 40%. His swinging strike percentage was 27.8%.

Matz has an interesting pitch arsenal that would be quite the addition to the Cardinals pitching staff. He has spent seven seasons in the majors, a majority of that time with the New York Mets. After his time in New York and Buffalo/Toronto, St. Louis would certainly be a change of pace that may be beneficial to him.