Matz’s agent, Rob Martin, did not return a phone call seeking comment, but he said in a statement to MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal that despite Matz’s “strong pull” to return to the Mets, the pitcher had made a decision that was best for his family.
“Steven is and always will be grateful to the Mets and Mets fans,” Martin added, “but he now looks forward to his next chapter with the tremendous franchise in St. Louis.”
Matz was 31-41 with a 4.35 earned run average in six seasons with the Mets, who traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays in January for relievers Yennsy Diaz and Sean Reid-Foley and a prospect. Matz went 14-7 with a 3.82 E.R.A. in 29 starts for Toronto and showed interest in returning to the Mets, his hometown team. He reportedly got $44 million from the Cardinals.
For the Mets, Matz is another missed target as they try to assemble a pitching staff. They extended a qualifying offer (worth $18.4 million) to retain Noah Syndergaard, but he signed with the Los Angeles Angels for one year and $21 million. The Angels also signed Aaron Loup, who excelled in relief for the Mets last season, to a two-year, $17 million deal.