Rafael Devers' walk-off double gives the Red Sox a 3-2 win over the Mariners on July 31, 2025, as Boston also acquires pitcher Steven Matz for a playoff push.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the electric thrill of Rafael Devers' walk-off double in the 10th inning was the biggest news of the night, the Red Sox front office dropped a bombshell. In a clear signal of their postseason intentions, Boston has acquired veteran left-hander Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals, solidifying a bullpen that proved its worth by shutting down the Mariners late in Thursday's 3-2 victory.
The price was prospect Blaze Jordan, but the prize is a 3.44 ERA lefty to shore up the bullpen for a playoff push.
The atmosphere at Fenway was electric as the Sox and Mariners battled into extra innings. With Tyler O'Neill on second in the bottom of the 10th, Rafael Devers stepped to the plate and delivered, lacing a double to seal the 3-2 victory. It was a fitting end to a three-hit night for Raffy, who has been the offensive engine for this team. The game was a tight affair, with Boston getting on the board early when Masataka Yoshida scored on a wild pitch. After Seattle took a 2-1 lead, David Jansen tied it with an RBI single in the 6th. From there, the Red Sox bullpen was lights out, holding Seattle scoreless from the 7th inning on, setting the stage for Devers' late-game heroics.
As fans were still celebrating the win, news broke of a significant trade. The Red Sox acquired left-handed reliever Steven Matz from the Cardinals in exchange for first base prospect Blaze Jordan. Matz, a free agent after 2025, has been excellent this season, posting a 3.44 ERA and an impressive 2.88 FIP over 55 innings. He immediately fills Boston's most glaring need: a reliable lefty setup man to pitch ahead of Aroldis Chapman. The move demonstrates a clear 'win-now' mentality from the front office.
Giving up Blaze Jordan, the organization's No. 17 prospect who was hitting .304 in the high minors, is a tough pill to swallow. However, it's the kind of move contending teams make. Thursday's win pushed the Sox to 15-14, just 1.5 games behind the division-leading Yankees. The walk-off victory showed the team's fight, and the Matz trade shows the front office's faith. By sacrificing a piece of the future for immediate, high-leverage help, Boston has declared its intention to make a serious run not just for a playoff spot, but for the AL East crown.
Thursday was a perfect storm of present-day excitement and future-focused strategy. With a key win in the books and a new weapon in the bullpen, the Red Sox have sent a clear message to the American League: they are serious contenders. Now, all eyes turn to how Matz integrates into the 'pen and if this jolt of energy can propel them past the Yankees and into the division lead.
