The St. Louis Cardinals have a winning record, but could still become sellers at the MLB trade deadline. With plenty of veterans, most of which on expiring deals, the Cardinals are likely to have plenty of teams lining up at their door asking about their players.
One of the most likely players teams will have an interest in is former two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley. The 2025 season is the final year of his current deal, and Helesley will be a free agent after the season. With the Cardinals potentially not bringing him back, it makes sense to trade him away.
In an article from Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Helsley was one of the names mentioned as top trade candidates from the Cardinals’ roster.
“Otherwise,” Rymer writes. “Ryan Helsley, Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, and Miles Mikolas are here, too. The first of those names (Helsley) is arguably the best reliever who could be available this summer.”
The Cardinals, if they don’t intend to re-sign Helsley, have all the reason in the world to trade him away at the trade deadline. He, along with the other names mentioned, is one all the top options for the Cardinals.
However, between Helsley’s contract situation and his history as a reliever, teams would be eager to make an offer on what could be the best bullpen arm on the market come July.
One of the main reasons why Helsley might not return what would normally be expected for someone of his caliber is due to his 2025 season. He’s had a tough go in 2025, sitting at a 3.96 ERA across 25 innings pitched. It isn’t a terrible number, but compared to his previous season, it’s concerning.
In 2024, Helsley was an All-Star and led all of MLB in saves with 49. He pitched 66.1 innings with 79 strikeouts and an impressive 2.04 ERA. His 2022 season was equally as impressive, going 9-1 with a 1.25 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 64.2 innings pitched.
A team adding someone of his caliber would be jubilant at the opportunity. If the Cardinals sell, Helsley would be one of the top names on the market and the best Cardinals player on the block. St. Louis being predicted to trade Helsley away makes sense, and is trending towards the best solution for the Cardinals in a strange 2025 season.
