The Red Sox made their first significant move since the Rafael Devers trade last month by dealing Blaze Jordan (the 19th ranked prospect in the system according to Sox Prospects) for lefty reliever Steven Matz.
The St. Louis Cardinals are receiving first baseman Blaze Jordan from the Boston Red Sox in the deal for Steven Matz, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2025
Matz has spent most of his career as a middle of the road starter, but as a veteran he’s quietly transitioned into a solid but not spectacular bullpen depth
piece. He will add help to a Sox pen that’s been overworked all year thanks to some early struggles from the rotation and a litany of long, close games all season. It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox negotiate their roster after this move since Matz is left handed and they already have Aroldis Chapman, Brennan Bernadino, Chris Murphy, and Justin Wilson from the left side out of this pen.
On the departing side, Blaze Jordan was a fan favorite in some circles as has opened up about his mental health during his journey through the Sox system and always possessed intriguing power potential. But nothing was guaranteed for him as a major leaguer, he was a Rule 5 guy this fall, and his best fits position wise seems blocked on this roster (they better be extending Alex Bregman!). Therefore, he became exactly the kind of player vulnerable to get traded in a moment like this. (Plus Chaim Bloom who drafted Jordan probably wanted him back.)
For the Red Sox and this deadline, this is a fine appetizer, but the certainly won’t due for an entree. A No. 2 starter better be on the menu later today!
More from overthemonster.com:
