With all of the relievers who have popped up in trade rumors over the last 72 hours, you'd think the Boston Red Sox would be eyeing a marquee name to help their AL Wild Card push. But reports from earlier on Wednesday suggested they were backing off that market as the prices got too high.
Then, they struck a deal that confirmed their intentions. In a late-night trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Red Sox reportedly acquired left-hander Steven Matz, who transitioned to a full-time relief role for the first time in his career this season.
Matz, a former Toronto Blue Jay for a season (remember that in 2021?!), currently sports a 3.44 ERA, 2.88 FIP and 1.18 WHIP in 55 innings this year.
While he's only struck out 47 batters, he's surrendering the fewest home runs (0.7) and walks (1.5) per nine innings of his career. The Sox could use another effective lefty in the bullpen behind Aroldis Chapman. Overall, a bizarre trade, but one that helps the Red Sox.
The Boston Red Sox are finalizing a trade to acquire left-handed reliever Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals, sources tell ESPN. The deal is agreed to and pending medical review.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2025
Red Sox Trade Deadline: Steven Matz acquire from St. Louis Cardinals for Blaze Jordan
Wait a second! Did we forget Chaim Bloom is now an influential front office member in St. Louis?! When Sox fans learned of the return going back to the Cardinals, they were a bit stunned.
Blaze Jordan, the Sox's No. 17 prospect and former 2020 third-round draft pick (Bloom's selection), was sent as compensation. The 22-year-old slugger finally reached Triple-A this season and has been performing well. On the year, he's hitting .304 with an .868 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A.
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
Craig Breslow better know what he's doing, because if he loses out on a trade with Bloom, who was scapegoated during his time in Boston and will forever be attached to the infamous Mookie Betts trade, he might get run out of town too.
What's also a tad puzzling is that Jordan was the most advanced first base prospect in Boston's system, which is a position of dire need at the moment. Perhaps they have plans to address it, but parting with Jordan after he's finally hit his stride in the upper levels of the minor leagues seems a bit puzzling ... especially since Matz is a free agent after 2025.
If Sox fans have learned anything, though, it's to give Breslow a little bit of time before ripping his trades to shreds. The Rafael Devers trade has somehow been working out and the Sox are within striking distance of the top of the AL East. Let's just hope a couple more impactful deals are on the way tomorrow.