Red Sox reportedly trade for Cardinals lefty reliever Steven Matz

Craig Breslow and the Crimson Sox reportedly made a transfer to bolster the bullpen late Wednesday evening. 

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Crimson Sox acquired Cardinals lefty reliever Steven Matz in trade for first baseman prospect Blaze Jordan. 

Matz, 34, is within the ultimate 12 months of a four-year, $44 million contract he signed with the Cardinals in November 2021. Signed as a starter after a few productive seasons with each the Mets and Blue Jays, Matz has largely underwhelmed in that position with St. Louis. 

However Matz has recouped some worth this season as a long-relief possibility for St. Louis — going 5-2 up to now this season with a 3.44 ERA. Over 55.0 innings of labor (32 appearances, two begins), Matz has struck out 48 batters and walked 9. 

With fellow Crimson Sox southpaw Justin Wilson struggling as of late (4.50 ERA in his final 9 appearances), Matz ought to add some further worth to Boston’s reduction corps — particularly when matched up in opposition to left-handed batters. 

As noted by The Ringer’s Brian Barrett, lefties are hitting simply .179 off of Matz this season, whereas righties are batting .313. Matz now joins a Crimson Sox bullpen that additionally contains a number of others lefties together with Wilson, Aroldis Chapman, Chris Murphy, and Brennan Bernardino. 

Jordan, 22, has put collectively his best season up to now between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester — batting .308 with 12 dwelling runs and 62 RBI. 

Regardless of Jordan’s sturdy outcomes on the plate, he has been unable to crack Boston’s big-league roster — even with Triston Casas struggling a season-ending damage in Might. 

Barring Boston including one other infield bat earlier than Thursday’s 6 p.m. deadline, the Crimson Sox will transfer ahead in 2025 with a platoon of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro. 

 

Conor Ryan is a workers author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Crimson Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.