The New York Mets, once comfortably leading the NL East, have stumbled into a troubling June slump that threatens their playoff hopes. Following a 7-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets fell to 46-32 and are now just one game behind in the division, prompting speculation about drastic roster moves, including a Pete Alonso Mets reunion trade involving veteran pitcher Steven Matz.
Recent Decline Spurs Mets to Consider Bold Moves
Less than two weeks ago, the Mets stood 21 games over .500 and enjoyed a 5½-game cushion atop the NL East. However, their recent poor stretch has created pressure in Queens to shore up the roster. Given the team’s championship aspirations, aggressive options are emerging, and bringing back Steven Matz is among those possibilities.
Matz, once a highly regarded second-round pick in 2009, struggled during his six seasons with the Mets, compiling a 31-41 record and a 4.35 ERA. His 2020 season was particularly difficult, leading to his departure. Now 34, Matz has reinvented himself as a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a solid 3.19 ERA over 42 1/3 innings in 22 games, marked by excellent control with 39 strikeouts and just six walks.
Evaluating Steven Matz’s Value for the Mets
MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan highlighted Matz as
“a coveted option for clubs seeking bullpen help,”
while noting the Cardinals would likely need to absorb a portion of his sizable salary to facilitate any trade. His $44 million contract is in its final year, which makes the cost a significant factor for New York’s front office. Under owner Steve Cohen, however, the Mets have shown no hesitation in acquiring players with hefty contracts if they believe it boosts the team.
Despite Matz’s recent success as a multi-inning reliever, the Mets’ primary need is for dependable starting pitching—especially after Kodai Senga landed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Alternatives within the Cardinals rotation, such as Miles Mikolas (4-5, 4.31 ERA) or Erick Fedde (3.54 ERA in 84 innings), could better address that need than Matz’s return to Queens.
Matz did display potential as a starter in his previous tenure with the Mets, but inconsistent performances left fans disappointed rather than optimistic. Given the Mets’ current pitching deficiencies and financial considerations, a reunion would require the Cardinals to absorb significant salary for it to be practical.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Mets’ Playoff Push
The Mets’ June downturn has intensified the urgency to improve their pitching staff, yet any trade involving Steven Matz remains a gamble that may not fully align with their immediate requirements. Bringing back Matz might provide bullpen depth, but strengthening the starting rotation with someone like Mikolas or Fedde fits better with the team’s current challenges.
As the Mets navigate this precarious phase, how management approaches the remainder of the trade deadline could determine whether they recover their division lead or fall further behind. The idea of a Pete Alonso Mets reunion trade reconnecting him with Matz offers a compelling storyline, but the practicality of such a move will depend heavily on financial negotiations and roster priorities moving forward.