The Cardinals are gearing up to sell at next week’s trade deadline, and teams around the league seem pretty convinced they know who’s getting moved.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Ryan Helsley is expected to be one of three top relievers changing uniforms before the deadline passes.
“Teams believe that the best three relievers traded at the deadline will be Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins, David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals.”
That’s some pretty good company for Helsley to be mentioned alongside.
All three closers would bring back solid returns, though the packages will vary based on contract situations. Duran’s long-term deal makes him the most valuable trade chip, while Bednar has another year of control through 2026. Helsley’s the rental of the group, which typically limits the return.
But here’s the thing about rentals – teams pay for proven performance when they’re making a playoff push. And Helsley’s got that in spades.
The 31-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.00 ERA across 36 appearances this season, converting 21 saves while striking out 41 batters in 36 innings. He’s walked just 14.
His 139 ERA+ is actually down from recent peaks, but that’s still well above league average and more than enough to attract contending teams looking for back-end help. When you’re a two-time All-Star with postseason experience, teams notice.
What makes this situation different is how openly it’s being discussed. Helsley himself has said he thinks there’s a 90 percent chance he gets traded, which tells you everything about where the Cardinals’ heads are at right now.
From where I’m sitting, this feels like a foregone conclusion. The Cardinals aren’t going anywhere this year, Helsley’s the longest-tenured player on the roster, and they’d be smart to cash in on a veteran closer rather than lose him to free agency.
Teams are already expecting it to happen. That usually means it will.
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