Image courtesy of Blaze Jordan
The St. Louis Cardinals have made another significant move, sending veteran left-handed pitcher Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for promising infielder Blaze Jordan. This deal, hot on the heels of other Cardinals‘ bullpen moves, signals a clear shift towards acquiring younger talent for St. Louis, while Boston bolsters its pitching staff for a potential playoff push.
Red Sox Gain Much Needed Pitching Depth
For the Red Sox, the acquisition of Steven Matz represents a targeted upgrade to their pitching depth. Matz, 34, has quietly been a valuable asset for the Cardinals in 2025, excelling in a versatile role that has seen him pitch effectively as both a long reliever and a spot starter.
In 32 appearances this season for St. Louis, Matz has compiled a 5-2 record with a 3.44 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched. His ability to eat innings and provide quality outings, particularly from the left side, makes him an immediate asset for a Red Sox team currently clinging to an American League Wild Card spot.
The lefty has had injury-plagued and inconsistent seasons since signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the Cardinals in 2022. However, Matz has found a renewed effectiveness in 2025, largely due to a shift to a more hybrid role and improved health.
The move addresses a clear need for Boston, which is looking to solidify its bullpen and potentially add starting depth. Matz’s recent performance suggests he can be a reliable arm down the stretch and into the postseason, providing much-needed stability to a Red Sox pitching staff that has shown flashes but also inconsistencies.
Cardinals Acquire Intriguing Power Bat for Near Future
On the other side of the trade, the St. Louis Cardinals continue their mid-season retooling. By moving Matz, who is in the final year of his contract, the Cardinals are recouping value for a veteran piece and further committing to a youth movement.
Their return is Blaze Jordan, a highly-regarded infielder who was once considered one of the Red Sox’s top power-hitting prospects.
Jordan, 22, was a third-round pick by Boston in the 2020 draft. The slugger was lauded for his prodigious raw power from a young age. He’s had an up-and-down professional career, battling some contact issues against higher velocity. However, his career Minor League stats are still impressive. Over 1,718 at-bats he has a .291 average with 55 homers, 303 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and an .813 OPS.
Additionally, he has shown significant progress in 2025. This season, Jordan earned a promotion to Triple-A and has posted an impressive .304 batting average with an .868 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A. It’s likely his ultimate defensive home is first base or designated hitter. His bat-first profile and potential for legitimate power make him an intriguing addition to the Cardinals’ farm system. Undoubtedly, St. Louis hopes to tap into his offensive potential and develop him into a middle-of-the-order threat for years to come.
Cardinals and Red Sox Benefit in Exchange
This trade looks good for both sides at the moment. A contending team acquired a veteran piece to bolster their immediate chances. While a retooling team acquired a promising young prospect for their future. For Matz, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a playoff contender. For Jordan, it’s a fresh start in a new organization. With the chance to prove he can be a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ next competitive window. Only time will tell which team ultimately benefits more from this exchange.
