Major Roster Moves Rock Cardinals’ Clubhouse
ST. LOUIS, MO — In a move that signals a continued shift toward youth and long-term vision, the St. Louis Cardinals have officially parted ways with two familiar faces: veteran starting pitcher Steven Matz and former All-Star outfielder Dylan Carlson. The announcement was made late Monday evening by team president John Mozeliak, ending both players’ tenures with the franchise for good.
“This is part of the natural process in baseball,” Mozeliak said during a press conference. “We are making tough decisions to give younger talent a chance and build a sustainable future.”
The decisions, while not entirely unexpected, bring an end to two careers in St. Louis that once held great promise but were ultimately derailed by injuries and inconsistency. Their departures mark a symbolic passing of the torch from the Cardinals’ 2020s core to a new generation of rising stars.
The club, currently sitting in third place in the National League Central, has made it clear that change is necessary — not just to contend in 2025, but to reshape the identity of the team going forward.
Dylan Carlson – From Top Prospect to Trade Block
Dylan Carlson, once considered the Cardinals’ outfielder of the future, now finds himself on the outside looking in.
Drafted in 2016 and ranked as a top-20 MLB prospect by 2020, Carlson made his debut with great fanfare. His smooth swing from both sides of the plate, above-average defense, and high baseball IQ made him a favorite among fans and scouts alike.
However, Carlson never quite reached the All-Star ceiling many projected. After a solid 2021 campaign where he hit .266 with 18 home runs and strong defensive metrics, his bat began to cool. Injuries and inconsistent playing time hampered his development, and by 2024 he had become a part-time outfielder stuck in a crowded depth chart.
“He gave everything to this team and handled all the ups and downs with class,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “But with guys like Victor Scott II and Jordan Walker stepping up, the opportunities just weren’t there anymore.”
Carlson is expected to be released or traded to a team seeking a fresh outfield option. Several AL teams are reportedly interested in giving the 26-year-old a change of scenery.
“It’s tough to say goodbye,” Carlson said in a brief clubhouse interview. “But I’m grateful for my time here, and I’m ready for a new start.”
Steven Matz – A Costly Investment Comes to an End
If Carlson’s exit was the result of too many outfielders, Steven Matz’s departure is a consequence of unmet expectations and injuries.
Matz signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals ahead of the 2022 season. At the time, the left-hander was coming off a strong year with the Toronto Blue Jays and was viewed as a steady rotation piece for a team in need of pitching depth.
However, things never quite clicked in St. Louis. Matz dealt with shoulder and knee injuries that kept him off the mound for much of 2022 and 2023. When healthy, his performance was uneven — flashes of brilliance marred by short outings and elevated walk rates.
In 2025, Matz made only four starts before being shut down again with elbow discomfort. With younger arms like Tink Hence, Gordon Graceffo, and Sem Robberse rising through the system, the Cardinals have made the difficult call to cut ties.
“Steven worked hard, but the results and durability just weren’t there,” said pitching coach Dusty Blake. “He was a great teammate, but we have to prioritize reliability.”
Matz is likely to clear waivers and hit free agency, where a team in need of veteran pitching depth may offer him a minor-league deal.
Looking Ahead: Cardinals Betting on Youth
With Carlson and Matz now gone, the Cardinals are clearly committing to their youth movement. The club has shown faith in its farm system — including recent call-ups like Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson, and Victor Scott II — to lead the next era of Cardinals baseball.
The roster moves also create flexibility ahead of the July trade deadline. Mozeliak has hinted that the team could be both buyers and sellers depending on how June plays out, but today’s decisions make one thing clear: the Cardinals are willing to make tough calls to change course.
Final Word: Two once-promising players leave behind careers in St. Louis that were filled with hope but fell short of expectations. Now, as the team turns the page, a new generation will be asked to carry forward the Cardinals’ winning tradition.
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