Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Bidding War: 6 Teams Pursuing All-Star Ryan Helsley

It sounds like a bidding war could be on the horizon...
Patrick McAvoy|
Jul 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) celebrates after the Cardinals defeated the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) celebrates after the Cardinals defeated the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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St. Louis CardinalsNew York YankeesNew York MetsLos Angeles DodgersPhiladelphia PhilliesTexas RangersToronto Blue Jays

It sounds like the St. Louis Cardinals have a pretty big market for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

If moved, Helsley likely would be one of the biggest stars dealt this summer. Helsley has been in rumors for months and the market is starting to become clear for him. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand revealed a list of six teams pursuing the All-Star closer, including the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

"Ryan Helsley is one of the most popular trade targets with no less than a half-dozen teams interested to varying degrees. Among the suitors, per sources, are the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers and Blue Jays," Feinsand said.

It's not shocking that a handful of teams are pursuing the 2024 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award winner. Helsley is a two-time All-Star and currently has a 3.00 ERA in 36 appearances.

This isn't the same level as his performance last season. Last year, Helsley had a 2.04 ERA in 65 outings to go along with 49 saves. But, it's still what any contender should be looking for at this time of the year. Helsley has 21 saves this year and can anchor a playoff bullpen.

If the Cardinals deal Helsley away, one thing that should help St. Louis' case is a lack of dependable hurlers on the trade block. Helsley arguably is the best overall reliever available and that could lead to a serious bidding war for St. Louis.

More MLB: Cardinals' Ryan Helsley Has Reported Suitor In AL Contender

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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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