The Cleveland Guardians are actively seeking to enhance their starting pitching staff ahead of the 2025 season, with analysts advocating for the addition of veteran pitchers. The escalating costs in the market make a trade the most viable option for the Guardians, who are reportedly interested in St. Louis Cardinals pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz.

According to John Denton, a beat reporter for MLB.com, the Guardians have made inquiries about both pitchers multiple times in recent weeks. Their interest in Fedde and Matz first surfaced in late December 2024, and Denton has reiterated the Guardians' keen interest as the offseason progresses. Fedde, who concluded the 2024 season with a strong 3.30 ERA, is seen as an ideal fit for Cleveland's rotation, while Matz's performance, hampered by injury, presents a more uncertain option.

The 2024-25 MLB offseason is heating up with significant free-agent activity and trade rumors as the Winter Meetings approach. The San Francisco Giants are reportedly interested in ace pitcher Corbin Burnes, who had an impressive season with the Orioles and is a top target on the market.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to trade veterans Ryan Helsley and Steven Matz as part of their rebuilding strategy, with Helsley coming off a standout season as a closer.

The St. Louis Cardinals aim to recover from recent playoff misses and missed expectations. Despite adding three veterans to their pitching rotation, performance has faltered, with a 4.40 ERA ranking them 23rd in the league.

Insiders suggest a limited budget for new pitching, with a focus on maximizing current resources. With only a few reliable starters anticipated for 2025, the Cardinals face challenges in solidifying their rotation and need to add at least one more top-tier pitcher.

The Seattle Mariners dominated the St. Louis Cardinals with a 10-4 victory, featuring key performances from Randy Arozarena and Jorge Polanco, who both hit two-run home runs.

Seattle exploded in the first inning, scoring five runs and maintaining a commanding lead throughout the game. Mariners starter Luis Castillo left the game early due to a hamstring strain, but Trent Thornton stepped up with two innings of scoreless relief.

The Seattle Mariners secured a 6-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, marking their third consecutive victory. Dylan Moore and Cal Raleigh contributed significantly, with Moore hitting his 10th home run and Raleigh adding a two-run double in the ninth inning.

Starting pitcher Bryce Miller delivered a stellar performance, tossing six scoreless innings and maintaining a league-leading streak of starts without allowing an earned run.

The Cardinals managed only one run, courtesy of Jordan Walker's homer, while pitcher Erick Fedde struggled in his outing.