The St. Louis Cardinals are facing some tough decisions as they sit 8.5 games back in the NL Central at 51-49. With the trade deadline approaching, they’re looking more like sellers than buyers.
That puts closer Ryan Helsley squarely in trade speculation territory.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports the Cardinals remain undecided on moving Helsley, but there’s a key factor pushing them toward a deal:
“Since they don’t plan to tender him a qualifying offer, they realize they may have no choice but to move him with at least five contenders showing interest.”
That’s the reality check every front office dreads. When you’re not planning to make a qualifying offer to a pending free agent, you’re essentially saying goodbye already. The question becomes whether you get something back or watch him walk for nothing.
Helsley’s having a solid season with a 3.18 ERA and 19 saves over 34 outings. His 3.77 FIP suggests he’s been pretty much what the numbers say – a reliable closer on an underperforming team.
The interest level tells you everything about the reliever market. Five contenders don’t circle a guy unless his stuff plays up in October.
For the Cardinals, it’s not an easy call. This is a franchise that’s made the playoffs consistently over the years, and selling off pieces feels foreign. But being in fourth place in the NL Central while teams like the Cubs and Brewers pull away changes the math.
The return won’t be massive – expiring contracts never bring back top prospects. But getting a decent piece or two beats watching Helsley sign elsewhere in the offseason while you’re left with nothing but memories.
All things considered, the writing seems to be on the wall. When you’ve got that many contenders calling and you’re already planning for life without the player, the decision starts making itself.
