The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a pivotal choice regarding All-Star closer Ryan Helsley as the season unfolds. With his contract set to expire at the end of the year and Spotrac projecting him to command an \$81 million deal in free agency, it’s unlikely the team will be able to retain him this offseason. That makes a midseason trade a logical move—if the Cardinals decide to sell. However, St. Louis remains in contention, firmly in the National League wild-card race, and Helsley’s presence provides a major boost to their bullpen.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, a survey of MLB executives suggests that Helsley is likely to be moved—especially if the Cardinals falter in July. While they currently appear to be buyers rather than sellers, one AL GM indicated that July’s performance could ultimately push the front office toward a deadline deal.
Helsley, 30, has posted a 3.41 ERA in 29 games, tallying 16 saves. Opponents are batting just .077 against his dominant slider, although they’ve hit .429 off his blazing fastball. If moved, three teams stand out as likely suitors: the Phillies, who desperately need a closer following Jose Alvarado’s suspension; the Dodgers, who are battling bullpen injuries and could benefit from Helsley’s presence; and the Yankees, who might be seeking to bolster their late-inning options despite possibly favoring a more affordable acquisition. A potential return from the Dodgers could include outfielder James Outman.
Ultimately, Helsley’s future in St. Louis may hinge on how the team performs over the next few weeks—and whether the front office decides to prioritize short-term contention or long-term value.