Imagine growing up dreaming of playing for your favorite baseball team, only to find yourself back in your hometown, now as one of their rising stars. That’s the story of Blaze Jordan, the Southaven native whose journey to the major leagues has come full circle. The St. Louis Cardinals recently announced that Jordan, ranked as the organization’s No. 20 prospect, will headline the 2026 Cardinals Caravan on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown, Tenn. For Jordan, this isn’t just another event—it’s a homecoming that feels almost surreal, as he returns to the very place where his love for the game began.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Jordan’s path to the Cardinals wasn’t exactly smooth. His move to St. Louis was one of the most talked-about trades of the 2025 MLB deadline. In late July, the Boston Red Sox shipped the power-hitting prospect to the Cardinals in exchange for veteran left-hander Steven Matz. While some fans questioned the Red Sox’s decision to part ways with such a promising talent, others saw it as a strategic move for both teams. What’s undeniable, though, is that the trade reunited Jordan with Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, the same executive who drafted him in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Talk about coming full circle!
“It’s kind of surreal,” Jordan admitted. “I used to come to games here as a kid… to now call this my home field, it’s pretty special.”
After the trade, Jordan was assigned to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, just a stone’s throw from his childhood home in Southaven. And this is the part most people miss: Playing in front of family and friends can add immense pressure, but Jordan thrived under the spotlight. He finished the 2025 season as a standout in the Redbirds’ lineup, showcasing the elite bat-to-ball skills that have made him a name to watch. Across his 2025 campaign with both the Red Sox and Cardinals affiliates, he smashed 19 home runs, drove in 99 RBIs, hit 28 doubles, and maintained a solid .270 combined batting average.
Now, Jordan isn’t resting on his laurels. This offseason, he’s been laser-focused on taking his game to the next level. “I’ve been working on getting stronger and improving my agility, especially for first and third base,” he explained. “On offense, I’m focusing on hitting the ball in the air more. As a corner guy, that’s where the power comes into play.”
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Jordan’s rapid rise and his dedication to improving, could he be the next big name in the Cardinals’ lineup? Or is there still work to be done before he solidifies his spot in the majors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
This story was brought to you by Bob Bakken, an award-winning broadcaster, reporter, and photographer who also handles sports media relations for junior and minor league hockey teams. Catch his updates on DeSoto County News and Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
