The St. Louis Cardinals are promoting their number 25 prospect, corner infielder Blaze Jordan. The move comes right before a series against the Minnesota Twins.
In a corresponding move, Nolan Gorman has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis.
Gorman, 26, is a former first-round pick from the 2018 draft. This season, he’s slashing .194/.279/.318, equaling an OPS+ of a mere 71.
Jordan, on the other hand, has been on fire.
In 57 minor league games, the right-handed-hitting infielder has an OPS of .921 and has already launched 11 home runs.
Jordan was known for his prowess at the plate in his youth. He once competed in a metal bat home run derby as a 12-year-old and sent multiple baseballs over 500 feet.
His prolific power has definitely carried over to professional ball. Jordan’s career OPS in the minor leagues is .808 with over 500 games under his belt.
His promotion comes immediately after St. Louis sports writing legend Bernie Miklasz said the organization had deemed Jordan “playable” at third base. After being drafted as a first baseman, there was some doubt that he could relocate. According to Miklasz, plenty of hard work has translated to the 23-year-old’s newfound success at the hot corner.
Fans in The Lou are ecstatic about the call-up.
Social Media Reacts to Cardinals’ Roster Moves
Here’s what people are saying:
Derrick Goold: “Blaze Jordan is starting at 3rd today. He will wear No. 33. #stlcards #cardinals #MLB.”
Grace Ybarra: “Blaze Jordan is set to make his MLB debut. Nolan Gorman was optioned to Memphis as the corresponding move. #stlcards.”
STL Sports Central: “‘Blaze Jordan may be an option at third after all.’ The #STLCards used to see Blaze Jordan as unplayable at 3B He’s put in the work and gotten to the point where he’s been unofficially upgraded to ‘playable.'”
Tamar Sher: “#NEWS: Nolan Gorman and RHP Hunter Dobbins were optioned to Memphis (AAA) following yesterday’s game. Rooke infielder Blaze Jordan is set to make his MLB debut for the @Cardinals. @KMOV | @MatrixMidwest | #stlcards.”
Brenden Schaeffer: “Cardinals have announced in their game notes that Blaze Jordan and Chris Roycroft have been recalled. Gorman and Dobbins were optioned to AAA Memphis. Urias to the 60-day IL to make 40-man room for Blaze, which doesn’t likely alter his timeline after his setback (left elbow).”
Dealin’ The Cards: “The Cardinals are calling up infielder Blaze Jordan for the series opener in Minnesota. Welcome to the Show, Blaze!”
Ray Mileur: “Blaze Jordan is getting the call to St. Louis. The power has always been part of the story, but this promotion is about more than raw strength. He hit his way into the conversation, handled Triple-A, and gives the #STLCards another corner-infield option with real offensive upside.”
Additional Roster Changes
In addition to the swap of Jordan and Gorman, the Cardinals are making a pitching change, too.
Hunter Dobbins, who recently started against the Mets, was sent down.
In exchange, the Redbirds are recalling reliever Chris Roycroft.
Roycroft was effective early in his MLB career, but since the latter half of 2024, he’s spiraled at the highest level.
St. Louis is displaying a sense of urgency that fans haven’t seen since former manager Whitey Herzog had his players sliding headfirst into first base on bunt singles.
Cardinals Promoting Power-Hitting Infielder, Demoting Gorman Before Twins Series