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The St. Louis Cardinals’ Closer Ryan Helsley is one of the top names being thrown around in trade rumors this off-season. The team’s off-season is looking a little different this year. Rather than making any big free agent additions, they’re looking to shed payroll and focus on the development of their prospects. Many believe this approach is one year past due. The Cardinals aren’t used to being in this position, but after several years of poor free agent signings and questionable decision-making where trades are concerned. They find themselves at the bottom looking to get back up.
Cardinals’ Closer Likely Top Target for Contenders
The Cardinals’ Closer Helsley is likely to be the most sought-after player on the team’s MLB roster this off-season. Undoubtedly, there is no shortage of teams that would like to add a guy with an arm like his to the back end of their bullpen. Two teams have been mentioned by experts as good matches for getting a trade done. Making the top of the list right now is the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Undoubtedly, Cardinal fans would prefer it if he went to the American League. It might not hurt as much to see him succeed if it’s not in the National League.
In a recent article for the Athletic, Jim Bowden suggested a couple of logical landing spots for the flamethrower.
Bowden wrote, “Ryan Helsley was arguably the best closer in the NL this year, and his trade value will never be higher. The Cardinals are rebuilding and shopping their veterans, and they’d be foolish not to see what they could get in return for the two-time All-Star. Once free-agent reliever Tanner Scott signs, Helsley’s market will shoot through the roof, with the Orioles and Red Sox being among the logical fits.”
The Cardinals’ incoming President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom’s familiarity with the Red Sox makes them a good match. They have major league ready prospects that Bloom should have some insider knowledge on. The executive is responsible for rebuilding Boston’s once decimated farm system. He turned it into one of the best in the league, currently ranked number seven by MLB.com. Bloom should be able to grab a couple of gems from Boston in exchange for the Cardinals’ Closer, one of the top relievers in the game.
Orioles Number Three Ranked Farm System Should Tempt St. Louis
The Orioles have one of the top, if not the best, young core with minimal salaries right now. The thing they need is pitching. The Orioles have the number three ranked farm system by MLB.com. Furthermore, they have the position player depth in their system that would allow them to part with some pretty good prospects. Acquiring Helsley would be a huge boost for their pitching staff, so a trade with Baltimore makes complete sense.
Now is the Time to Move Helsley or Extend him.
The Cardinals need to decide if they’re going to move the righty. If they don’t, there’s always the 2025 trade deadline. Also, there is the option to try and extend him. If the organization thinks they’ll be able to compete in a few years, it might not be a bad idea to lock down the reliever. The flamethrower is under team control for one more season before he hits free agency.
Helsley saved 49 games and posted a 3.0 WAR with a 2.04 ERA over 66.1 innings pitched in 2024. Additionally, he posted a respectable 1.101 WHIP with 79 strikeouts. The Cardinals’ Closer was often mentioned in trade rumors during the 2024 trade deadline. However, the Cardinals ended up buying, and a trade never materialized. This time around, it’s a different story. The organization has a clear focus on improving the player development side of things. Therefore, it would make complete sense to move Helsley while he’s at peak value.
