The St. Louis Cardinals are contemplating a significant trade involving their closer, Ryan Helsley, as they look to enhance their chances for a playoff berth. Presently, the team sits four games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central standings and is just one game away from securing the final Wild Card position.
According to MLB writer John Denton, the Cardinals’ prior discussions concerning Helsley indicate a willingness to explore trading him, particularly due to his impending free agency. Helsley has posted a strong season thus far, with a record of 3-0 and a 3.52 ERA, successfully converting 13 of his 17 save opportunities. However, his performance has shown signs of decline as his strikeout rate has decreased from 29.7% to 25.2%, while his walk rate has increased from 8.6% to 11.7%.
There is speculation that a potential trade could involve packaging Helsley with veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, which would aim to attract considerable assets from contenders looking to strengthen their rosters for the postseason.
As the trade deadline looms, the Cardinals may actively test the market for both players, which could lead to a reshaping of their team dynamics and significantly impact their playoff ambitions. Trading Helsley could be a crucial step for the franchise as they seek to boost their competitive edge this season.
This situation reflects a turning point for the Cardinals, as they weigh the immediate benefits of holding onto key players against the long-term vision for the team. With strategic moves, they have the potential to reinvigorate their roster and remain a formidable presence in the league.