3 Steven Matz replacements Cardinals could trade for before deadline

Tarik Skubal

With reports surfacing that the Detroit Tigers are willing to trade just about anyone to reset their young squad, the Cardinals should definitely kick the tires on 25-year-old lefty arm Tarik Skubal.

As a pitcher with some tough luck for the Tigers, Skubal is 7-8 in 19 starts. He has thrown 106.2 innings with 111 strikeouts and only 27 walks. He does have a 28.1 percent called/swinging strike rate. Skubal has induced 47.8 percent ground balls.

Skubal primarily uses a four-seam fastball, a changeup, and a sinker. The changeup averages 83.6 mph with a 32.5-inch vertical drop with an 82 percent active spin.

Skubal has been the Tigers’ top starter this season. This would be a surprising trade if the Tigers weren’t vocal about their willingness to trade off assets. Skubal has a considerable amount of team control left. He’s on a one-year contract worth $713.6k. He will be eligible for arbitration in 2024 and for free agency in 2027.

Skubal would be a tremendous asset to help make a playoff push — especially if the Cardinals can acquire him.