If the Cardinals are going to buy at the Deadline, starting pitching appears to be their biggest need. This trade nets them 1.5 years of Eflin, and should they desire, Maton. Eflin is a solid #2/3 pitcher who would immediately improve their rotation. Maton has shown signs recently of being what the Rays thought he would be when they signed him to a large contract in the offseason (large for the Rays). If Maton continues to play like the Rays thought he would, the Cardinals get help for both their rotation and their Pen this year and next (Maton has a 2025 team option). If he doesn't work out, the Cardinals essentially paid down the price tag for Eflin with cash, instead of harming their Farm. It's a good risk/reward. The cost for Eflin and Maton starts with Mathews, probably the most surprising minor leaguer out there. Drafted in the 19th round by the Rays 2 years ago (and the reason the Rays look to deal Eflin to St. Louis) and by the Cardinals in the 4th round last year, he's pitching like an Ace in the low minors. Now in AA in less than 1 year in the minors, he looks like he could be a solid addition to the top part of a ML rotation. He's currently ranked the #100 prospect in baseball by MLB, and it will take a top 100 prospect to land Eflin. The rest of this trade shores up areas of need for the Rays (ie: catcher and outfielder) with promising prospects. The Cardinals won't find many better pitchers than Eflin at the deadline at this price point, and the Rays won't find a better package of players in return for him given their prior interest in Mathews.