The St. Louis Cardinals are in an interesting position as we approach the trade deadline on July 31.
St. Louis is in playoff contention despite coming in with many people thinking the Cardinals wouldn’t compete this year.
Well, they are 51-47 and just two-and-a-half games back from the third National League Wild Card spot.
It’s rumored that the Cardinals will sell expiring contracts, and all eyes have been on two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
The Athletic staff made bold predictions for all 30 teams and Katie Woo predicted that St. Louis will hold on to Helsley, who is on an expiring contract.
“Ryan Helsley has not been nearly as dominant as last season, but he’s still logged 19 saves out of 25 opportunities, and his fastball velocity remains one of the best in the league,” wrote Woo. “Every contending team covets high-leverage firepower in relief. But the Cardinals, who are teetering on the competitive ledge themselves, don’t seem inclined to trade him, even with Helsley set for free agency after the season.
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“St. Louis could net a sizable return by trading its closer, but it’s more likely it holds on to him, extend a qualifying offer for 2026 and hope for a competitive draft pick if he walks.”
This would definitely come as a surprise, as it doesn’t make much sense for the Cardinals to gatekeep a closer who may just walk anyway.
A team like the Cardinals, which has the 13th ranked farm system after the MLB Draft, should be trying to get as many solid prospects as possible.
Helsley, 31, is 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in 33 appearances this season.
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