Red Sox Trade for Versatile Lefty Arm Ahead of Deadline

The Boston Red Sox made waves ahead of the MLB trade deadline. They bolstered their roster with the acquisition of veteran left-handed pitcher Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals.

In return, the Red Sox traded minor league infielder Blaze Jordan. With this deal, Boston strengthens its bullpen and adds some pitching versatility, which feels pretty crucial as the team makes a push toward the postseason.

Let’s break down what this trade might mean for the Red Sox. Why did both teams decide to pull the trigger?

Who is Steven Matz, and Why Did the Red Sox Trade for Him?

Steven Matz comes to Boston with an eleven-year MLB career under his belt. He’s got flexibility as both a reliever and a starter.

This season with the Cardinals, the 34-year-old southpaw has mostly worked out of the bullpen. Still, he’s logged plenty of starts over the years—something the Red Sox front office probably noticed right away.

Matz has been quietly effective in 2025. Through 55 innings, he’s put up a 3.44 ERA and an impressive 2.88 FIP, showing he can limit home runs and keep hitters off balance.

He’s racked up 47 strikeouts while walking just nine. That kind of command is tough to teach.

He’s been especially tough on left-handed hitters, holding them to a .179 batting average. Right-handed hitters have had a bit more luck, but for a Boston team struggling with bullpen depth, this move addresses a glaring need.

How the Red Sox Plan to Use Matz

The Red Sox plan to use Matz out of the bullpen at first. His ability to neutralize lefties should come in handy in late-game matchups.

But with his starting experience, he gives Boston some insurance if injuries or other issues pop up. That kind of versatility is just what you want as the pressure ramps up heading into the postseason.

Blaze Jordan: A Prospect Moved with Strategy

In exchange for Matz, the Cardinals picked up Blaze Jordan. He’s a promising 21-year-old infielder who was performing well in Triple-A at the time of the trade.

Jordan was hitting .289 with six homers and an .809 OPS, showing both power and solid on-base skills. He’s definitely got potential.

Still, from Boston’s perspective, moving Jordan makes sense logistically. He was Rule 5-eligible this winter, which could have created a roster crunch for the Red Sox.

Trading him now helps avoid that headache. It also lets Boston focus on players who better fit their immediate competitive window.

The Cardinals’ Side of the Deal

For the Cardinals, grabbing Jordan signals a focus on the future. St. Louis isn’t in the playoff race, so they can afford to deal an aging reliever on an expiring contract for a young, cost-controlled bat.

Adding Jordan gives their developmental pipeline a boost. It’s a forward-looking move for a team trying to reset a bit.

Financial and Roster Implications of the Trade

Steven Matz is in the last year of his four-year, $44 million contract. The Red Sox will take on the remaining $4 million of his 2025 salary, which feels manageable for a team trying to stay in the hunt.

To make room on the 40-man roster, Boston shifted Hunter Dobbins to the 60-day injured list. It’s a procedural move, but it ensures Matz fits logistically.

Boston’s front office seems to be threading the needle—trying to win now without overextending themselves financially. While Matz is a rental, his addition shows the team’s intent to solidify the roster for October without mortgaging the future.

What This Trade Means for the Red Sox Down the Stretch

The Red Sox are right in the playoff mix. Adding a seasoned, adaptable arm like Matz shows they’re serious about improving their chances.

He isn’t a blockbuster addition, but he fills a real need. His postseason experience and ability to pitch in different roles could make a difference.

Trading Blaze Jordan might sting for some fans, but it was a strategic call. Boston avoided losing him in the Rule 5 Draft and addressed a pressing roster need.

The Final Word

The Steven Matz trade really shows the kind of clever, midseason moves playoff teams have to make. For the Red Sox, picking up the lefty means more depth and a bit more reliability for a pitching staff that just needed some help.

With the postseason creeping up, this move fits Boston’s plan to stay in the mix. They’re trying to balance winning now with not blowing up the future, and honestly, it’s not a bad way to go about it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox make first trade before deadline, acquire veteran lefty who can start or relieve