Cardinals Acquire Standout Infielder in Steven Matz Trade

Cardinals Acquire Standout Infielder in Steven Matz Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Cardinals made their first splash of the 2025 MLB trade deadline on Wednesday evening when they sent two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley to the Mets in exchange for three minor league prospects.

Late Wednesday night, the Cardinals made their second big move by trading LHP Steven Matz to the Red Sox for 22-year-old corner infielder Blaze Jordan.

We have acquired 1B/3B Blaze Jordan from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for LHP Steven Matz. pic.twitter.com/0GuddIkWFe

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 31, 2025

After absolutely crushing Double-A pitching to start the year, posting a .928 OPS in 44 games, Jordan was promoted to Triple-A Worcester in early June, and he hasn't missed a beat since his promotion. In 171 Triple-A at-bats, Jordan is slashing .298/.341/.480 with 18 extra-base hits. He also has just 19 strikeouts in that span.

Jordan was rumored to be a part of a possible deal this past offseason that would've sent Nolan Arenado to Boston. Given the Cardinals currently have a plethora of options at first base and Arenado has had an awful year offensively, if Jordan is going to slot in anywhere in the near future, it's likely to be at third. The Cardinals trading Arenado at the deadline or even during the upcoming offseason remains a strong possibility.

As for Steven Matz, the Red Sox are getting a reliable lefty out of the bullpen who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Matz dealt with some injuries early on in his time with St. Louis, but after switching to a full-time reliever, he's had a great 2025 campaign.

In 55 innings pitched this year, Matz has a 3.44 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He'll instantly become a key arm on a Red Sox team that currently holds a 1.5-game lead for the final AL Wild Card spot.

The Cardinals have now traded two prized relievers who will be free agents this coming offseason. St. Louis's attention likely now shifts to RHP Phil Maton, who reportedly did not travel with the team to San Diego.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.