Cardinals Acquire Slugger Blaze Jordan in Trade with Red Sox

The 23-year-old prospect is knocking on the door of the major leagues.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:36pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have made multiple trades in recent years, including a deal that sent young slugger Blaze Jordan from the Red Sox to the Cardinals. Jordan, a 23-year-old prospect, is excited to join the Cardinals organization and play for the same team as his childhood hero, Albert Pujols. The Cardinals see Jordan as a potential backup first baseman and power-hitting prospect who could contribute at the major league level soon.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' acquisition of Blaze Jordan from the Red Sox represents an intriguing move that could pay dividends down the line. Jordan is a highly-touted prospect who has performed well in the minors, and the Cardinals are hoping he can provide depth and future production at first base.

The details

The Cardinals sent left-handed pitcher Steven Matz to the Red Sox in exchange for Jordan, who was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 3rd round in 2020. Jordan has played at both first base and third base in the minors, and split time between Boston’s Triple-A and Double-A affiliates in 2025, hitting .270 with 19 home runs and 99 RBIs. The Cardinals see Jordan as a potential backup to first baseman Alec Burleson, and hope he can develop into an impact bat at the major league level.

  • The Cardinals and Red Sox made the trade ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
  • Jordan played 41 games for the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate Memphis Redbirds after the trade in 2025.

The players

Blaze Jordan

A 23-year-old prospect who was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round in 2020. He is a power-hitting infielder who can play both first base and third base.

Chaim Bloom

The president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals, who previously held the same role with the Boston Red Sox when they drafted Jordan.

Alec Burleson

The Cardinals’ starting first baseman, with Jordan potentially serving as his backup.

Albert Pujols

A St. Louis Cardinals legend who Jordan grew up idolizing.

Steven Matz

The left-handed pitcher the Cardinals sent to the Red Sox in the trade for Jordan.

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What they’re saying

“That was kind of what kicked it off. To be able to play for the same team he did, it's a dream.”

— Blaze Jordan

“It makes you feel like you're wanted. I know when everything clicks, I can contribute in the big leagues for a really long time; I really, truly believe that. For someone to believe in me like that and go out and get me, it feels pretty special.”

— Blaze Jordan

What’s next

Jordan will look to continue his strong performance in the Cardinals’ minor league system and potentially earn a call-up to the major league roster in the near future.

The takeaway

The Cardinals’ acquisition of Blaze Jordan represents a savvy move to add a promising power-hitting prospect to their organization. If Jordan can continue to develop and contribute at the major league level, it could prove to be a valuable trade for the Cardinals down the line.