Blaze Jordan scouting report

[Basil Shabazz]

This was great value for Matz IMO.

If he makes it, he is an Aleen Craig-type offensive player.

[Strummer Jones]

Like this WAAAY better than the Helsley trade.

I’m m constantly amazed at how bad the baseball knowledge is on this forum.

Nope, sorry.

I don't know how anyone can argue that three A guys (and the headliner struggling in A-ball with a bum knee) is a good return for a guy who just last year was one of, if not THE most dominant closers in the game. And while he was not as dominant this year, was also not bombing either. I get the the return wasn't going to be Francisco Lindor or Juan Soto. But could it at least be ONE kid in AA with some helium? And not three kids scuffling in A-ball?

But, man, it needs to be more than three dudes in A-ball who very likely might not put it all together. Yeah, they've got some tools, but I'm tired of tools. Tools are nice, but for Helsley, I think it needs to be kids with those tools that are showing that they can use them at a level higher than A-ball. We've got enough of those guys already.

That we got someone who could even help out this year for Steven Matz, who's been hurt a lot, and not terribly effective when he was healthy over the course of this contract is a steal.

[Gritty]

I just assumed with the first name Blaze he was either Latino or Black. After googling him I'm astonished the kid is white. He looks like Alec Burleson's little brother

[Basil Shabazz]

That we got someone who could even help out this year for Steven Matz, who's been hurt a lot, and not terribly effective when he was healthy over the course of this contract is a steal.

What? Help out this year? Was Ohtani available?

This is a shot year. The trades were made for the future. To layer the years of competitiveness. Nothing was ever done to help with this year..

[Basil Shabazz]

I just assumed with the first name Blaze he was either Latino or Black. After googling him I'm astonished the kid is white. He looks like Alec Burleson's little brother

Have you met a lot of Blazes that were African American or Latino?

[Strummer Jones]

That we got someone who could even help out this year for Steven Matz, who's been hurt a lot, and not terribly effective when he was healthy over the course of this contract is a steal.

What? Help out this year? Was Ohtani available?

This is a shot year. The trades were made for the future. To layer the years of competitiveness. Nothing was ever done to help with this year..

You got me there, I should've been clearer. I don't even think the most delusional among us expected anyone who'd even sniffed an all-star game.

But stands a fair shot to CONTRIBUTE this year. I'm well aware that this ship sank weeks ago. But Blaze could be a kid that could see some facetime this year. That's more what I meant.

[ClassicO]

I don't see how Blaze could be that good if he's still the 20th or 24th prospect for the Red Sox. But Matz was an injury-prone, lousy soon-FA pitcher, so it's a good return.

As for Helsley, I'm surprised they got what appears to be not a good return, but Hels' fastball has been hammered. Do people really think there were a lot better offers out there, and the Cards said, "nah, we love Baez?"

[Ronnie Dobbs]

I don't know how anyone can argue that three A guys (and the headliner struggling in A-ball with a bum knee) is a good return for a guy who just last year was one of, if not THE most dominant closers in the game. And while he was not as dominant this year, was also not bombing either. I get the the return wasn't going to be Francisco Lindor or Juan Soto. But could it at least be ONE kid in AA with some helium? And not three kids scuffling in A-ball?

Did you see what the Twins got for trading their 27 year old closer, who is under team control until 2028, and has been just as good in the past, if not better, and is have a better year for Helsley? They got Mick Abel, who is basically MLB ready, even if he wasn't very good right away, but the other guy is an 18 year oldin A ball.

Also Baez has a 123 wRC+ is High A as a 20 year old. I wouldn't call that scuffling. Dohm hasn't looked bad there either, and fits the profile of the pitchers that were taken in our draft this year, so I wouldn't be quick to write him off. Elissalt is no slouch either.

But look at the market for relievers so far. He got basically what is in line with what the market is for. You can wish that we could have gotten just one really, really good prospect. I think Baez was the Mets #6 prospect. But judging by history the last few years, teams aren't going to give up a top prospect for a rental like that.

[Red7]

Acquired for Steven Matz pending medicals

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50

Jordan was a legend in amateur home run derby circles, winning his first at age 11, crushing a pair of 500-foot homers at another when he was 13 and prevailing in the High School Home Run Derby at the 2019 All-Star Game. He reclassified from the 2021 Draft to 2020, landing an above-slot $1.75 million bonus in the third round as one of the youngest players and top power hitters in his class. He went deep six times in his 28-game pro debut last summer, including twice in nine Low-A contests.

Jordan's massive power has been good as advertised, as he crushes tape-measure shots to all fields and produces huge exit velocities with a right-handed stroke loaded with bat speed, strength and loft. While his struggles against older competition on the high school showcase circuit led to swing-and-miss concerns that depressed his Draft stock, his hitting and approach were better than expected in his introduction to pro ball. He's always going to be more slugger than pure hitter, but he has shown some willingness to use the opposite field and the ability to make adjustments.

Though most of Jordan's value will come from his bat, he has worked hard to improve his conditioning, quickness and defense at third base. He has soft hands and might become adequate at the hot corner, but his average arm and below-average speed and range fit better at first base. His size, power and defensive limitations have prompted comparisons to Matt Holliday and Mark Trumbo.


This was a steal for Matz IMO

I really like this deal too!

C. Bloom (obviously) made this trade and stole this kid for the rental.

Matz being used as a starter by the Sox upped the value and Bloom knew it.

Could be a great trade, sure hope so as I'm not as high on the Mets suspects (although Nate Dohm does add another power arm to the minor league system).

Funny Fact FGM

He hails from the same HS as A. Riley!

Let me get this straight: Bloom, who’s NOTin charge (according to most on here), made THIS deal, but Mo who IS in charge (according to most on here) made the Helsley deal. Got it.

[Strummer Jones]

I don't know how anyone can argue that three A guys (and the headliner struggling in A-ball with a bum knee) is a good return for a guy who just last year was one of, if not THE most dominant closers in the game. And while he was not as dominant this year, was also not bombing either. I get the the return wasn't going to be Francisco Lindor or Juan Soto. But could it at least be ONE kid in AA with some helium? And not three kids scuffling in A-ball?

Did you see what the Twins got for trading their 27 year old closer, who is under team control until 2028, and has been just as good in the past, if not better, and is have a better year for Helsley? They got Mick Abel, who is basically MLB ready, even if he wasn't very good right away, but the other guy is an 18 year oldin A ball.

Also Baez has a 123 wRC+ is High A as a 20 year old. I wouldn't call that scuffling. Dohm hasn't looked bad there either, and fits the profile of the pitchers that were taken in our draft this year, so I wouldn't be quick to write him off. Elissalt is no slouch either.

But look at the market for relievers so far. He got basically what is in line with what the market is for. You can wish that we could have gotten just one really, really good prospect. I think Baez was the Mets #6 prospect. But judging by history the last few years, teams aren't going to give up a top prospect for a rental like that.

I did, and I'm usually with you on here, but I'm not on this.

Helsley should've gotten a better return. Something with a bit more certainty than three A-Ball maybes.

[rockondlouie]

Acquired for Steven Matz pending medicals

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 50

Jordan was a legend in amateur home run derby circles, winning his first at age 11, crushing a pair of 500-foot homers at another when he was 13 and prevailing in the High School Home Run Derby at the 2019 All-Star Game. He reclassified from the 2021 Draft to 2020, landing an above-slot $1.75 million bonus in the third round as one of the youngest players and top power hitters in his class. He went deep six times in his 28-game pro debut last summer, including twice in nine Low-A contests.

Jordan's massive power has been good as advertised, as he crushes tape-measure shots to all fields and produces huge exit velocities with a right-handed stroke loaded with bat speed, strength and loft. While his struggles against older competition on the high school showcase circuit led to swing-and-miss concerns that depressed his Draft stock, his hitting and approach were better than expected in his introduction to pro ball. He's always going to be more slugger than pure hitter, but he has shown some willingness to use the opposite field and the ability to make adjustments.

Though most of Jordan's value will come from his bat, he has worked hard to improve his conditioning, quickness and defense at third base. He has soft hands and might become adequate at the hot corner, but his average arm and below-average speed and range fit better at first base. His size, power and defensive limitations have prompted comparisons to Matt Holliday and Mark Trumbo.


This was a steal for Matz IMO

I really like this deal too!

C. Bloom (obviously) made this trade and stole this kid for the rental.

Matz being used as a starter by the Sox upped the value and Bloom knew it.

Could be a great trade, sure hope so as I'm not as high on the Mets suspects (although Nate Dohm does add another power arm to the minor league system).

Funny Fact FGM

He hails from the same HS as A. Riley!

Let me get this straight: Bloom, who’s NOTin charge (according to most on here), made THIS deal, but Mo who IS in charge (according to most on here) made the Helsley deal. Got it.

You're learning Red Baron.

[RunSup]

Ba report on the Blaze trade

Blaze Jordan, 1B/3B
Age: 22

Once a viral teenage slugging sensation, Jordan’s early fame outpaced his actual prospect status due to limited defensive value and a hit-over-power profile. The Red Sox selected Jordan in the third round of the 2020 draft and he spent parts of five seasons in the organization. After a below-average full season with Double-A Portland, Jordan returned to the level to begin 2025 and showed improved plate discipline and more game power.

Over 43 games with Triple-A Worcester, Jordan has held his own hitting .289/.333/.476 with a 10.7% strikeout rate. His plate discipline has backed up some at Triple-A, but Jordan shows above-average bat-to-ball skills with an all-fields approach and average game power. While he’s capable of handling third base due to a plus throwing arm and solid hands and actions, his lack of range limits his ability to play the position. He’s likely a hit-over-power first baseman long term, but could hit enough to carve out a long-term role

[Red7]

I just assumed with the first name Blaze he was either Latino or Black. After googling him I'm astonished the kid is white. He looks like Alec Burleson's little brother

Have you met a lot of Blazes that were African American or Latino?

Yes. See Key and Peele for the correct pronunciation. I can’t use it or I’ll get banned.

[craviduce]

compilation of Blaze's HR's this year

https://x.com/CardsPlayerDev/status/1950949598572240960

[renostl]

Like this WAAAY better than the Helsley trade.

I’m m constantly amazed at how bad the baseball knowledge is on this forum.

Nope, sorry.

I don't know how anyone can argue that three A guys (and the headliner struggling in A-ball with a bum knee) is a good return for a guy who just last year was one of, if not THE most dominant closers in the game. And while he was not as dominant this year, was also not bombing either. I get the the return wasn't going to be Francisco Lindor or Juan Soto. But could it at least be ONE kid in AA with some helium? And not three kids scuffling in A-ball?

But, man, it needs to be more than three dudes in A-ball who very likely might not put it all together. Yeah, they've got some tools, but I'm tired of tools. Tools are nice, but for Helsley, I think it needs to be kids with those tools that are showing that they can use them at a level higher than A-ball. We've got enough of those guys already.

That we got someone who could even help out this year for Steven Matz, who's been hurt a lot, and not terribly effective when he was healthy over the course of this contract is a steal.

It's less about how the Cardinals used a player and more about how the acquiring team sees him.

IF Hels is seen as a setup guy and not a closer wherever he was wanted then that levels the value of both
pitchers. Both have been hit by RHB an OPS >.800. Matz better vs LHB by .442 OPS vs .580.

Add Matz is a in demand LHP and can start, it was always possible that he could return more
when going to a contender who may already have their closer, 100% opinion.

[Cranny]

I don't see how Blaze could be that good if he's still the 20th or 24th prospect for the Red Sox. But Matz was an injury-prone, lousy soon-FA pitcher, so it's a good return.

As for Helsley, I'm surprised they got what appears to be not a good return, but Hels' fastball has been hammered. Do people really think there were a lot better offers out there, and the Cards said, "nah, we love Baez?"

Best do your homework on Blaze.