Ryan Helsley and Steven Matz traded away, Blaze Jordan and Jesus Baez brought in
Just hours before the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals made two significant moves. They sent relievers Ryan Helsley and Steven Matz to new teams and received four prospects in return, most notably Jesus Baez and Blaze Jordan.
The more prominent of the two trades involved Helsley, who was dealt to the New York Mets after establishing a franchise single-season saves record in 2024. However, it’s a name from the Steven Matz deal that’s catching the most attention: Blaze Jordan.
The Aptly Named Blaze Jordan
The Cardinals acquired Jordan, a 22-year-old corner infielder, in a one-for-one trade with the Boston Red Sox. In exchange for Matz, who is set to hit free agency this offseason, the Cards received Blaze Jordan. A former Red Sox top draft pick, Jordan has been climbing the ranks since 2021 and is known for his elite power and plate discipline.
Across five minor league seasons, Jordan owns a .291 batting average with 55 home runs and 303 RBIs. This year, between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, he slashed .308 with 12 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an impressive 10% strikeout rate.
Jordan first made headlines as a teenager when he crushed two 500-foot home runs during a Power Showcase event in Texas, and later won a high school home run derby during MLB All-Star Week in 2019. His prodigious power earned him national attention well before his pro debut.
Jordan, who hails from Southaven, Mississippi, has split time at first and third base this year. He’s expected to report to Triple-A Memphis and could be a late-season call-up candidate, though the organization has not confirmed a timeline.
The Boston Connection
The deal also reunites Jordan with Chaim Bloom, who was recently named the Cardinals’ incoming president of baseball operations. Bloom previously oversaw Boston’s front office and prioritized building a deep farm system during his tenure from 2020 to 2023.
Jordan shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “St. Louis let’s do it!”
Meanwhile, Helsley was traded to the Mets in exchange for three prospects: shortstop Jesus Baez and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt. Baez, ranked as the Mets’ No. 6 prospect, was also listed in Baseball America’s Top 100 to begin the season. All three players had been playing at the Single-A level prior to the trade.
Following the moves, MLB Pipeline now ranks Baez as the Cardinals’ No. 6 prospect, Dohm at No. 15, and Jordan at No. 19—adding depth to a farm system looking to restock for 2026 and beyond.
