The Cardinals are stuck in neutral. At 5-7 through their first 12 games, St. Louis faces a critical decision about their direction, especially if their early-season struggles continue.
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Cardinals will become sellers at the trade deadline. With limited expectations for contention in 2025, the team might soon pivot toward building for the future.
All-Star closer Ryan Helsley sits atop the list of potential trade chips. The dominant reliever is in his walk year, and many around baseball were surprised he wasn’t moved during the offseason.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report sees the Texas Rangers as a logical destination.
“Helsley is likely going to be the cream of the closer crop this summer, with the two-time All-Star Cardinals reliever entering his final season before free agency. He had a sub-2.50 ERA in each of the past three years and could instantly elevate the Rangers from a good team to a serious World Series contender,” Miller writes.
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Helsley’s Value Is Peaking
Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals’ franchise record and earning National League Reliever of the Year honors. His value has never been higher.
The Rangers make sense as a trade partner. They’ve got a strong farm system with intriguing prospects – exactly what the prospect-thin Cardinals need. There’s also recent trade history between these clubs, with St. Louis acquiring Thomas Saggese and Tekoah Roby from Texas at the 2023 deadline for Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton.
This represents the Cardinals’ last chance to capitalize on Helsley’s value. If they don’t move him, they’ll lose him in free agency for nothing more than a compensatory draft pick.
The timing feels right for both sides. With Chaim Bloom set to take over for John Mozeliak as president of baseball operations in 2026, adding prospects now could position St. Louis for a quick turnaround.
What the Cardinals might get in return remains to be seen, but a Helsley trade feels increasingly inevitable. Texas just might be the perfect landing spot.
