Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals All-Star Called 'Tremendous Fit' For NL Rival

There's already been too much speculation in St. Louis...
Patrick McAvoy|
Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have a lot of talent, but it hasn't translated to a top spot in the National League Central yet this season.

The Cardinals are in fourth place in the National League Central with a 14-19 record. The Chicago Cubs are in first place with an impressive 20-13 record. The Cincinnati Reds are in second place in the division at 18-15. The Milwaukee Brewers are in third place with a somewhat surprising 16-17 record.

The Cardinals have some work to do if they want to make up some ground in the standings and avoid a summer sell-off. There's still plenty of reasons to have hope, but if the Cardinals end up having a firesale, star closer Ryan Helsley already has been speculated as a potential trade piece. Where could he go if moved? FanSided's Mark Powell suggested that the Arizona Diamondbacks could be a "tremendous fit."

"Ryan Helsley's trade value has never been higher for Cardinals," Powell said. "Helsey would be a tremendous fit in a Diamondbacks bullpen that is running out of reinforcements. Despite all that has gone wrong in St. Louis, Helsley still has a respectable 3.60 ERA – though higher than usual for him – and could use a change in scenery. Helsley spoke about the possibility of getting traded last December, and his point still stands...

"Helsley is as professional as they come. If he's asked to close games for Arizona, a team with a winning culture, he would relish the opportunity. The Diamondbacks expect to make the postseason, while the Cardinals lack a clear path. It really is that simple. As for the Cards, they can use the Diamondbacks desperation against them. There's little time to waste in Phoenix."

More MLB: Cardinals All-Star Has Taken 'Substantial Hit,' Per MLB Writer

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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