Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Predicted To Move Projected $81 Million Star In Blockbuster Trade

Will the Cardinals trade Ryan Helsley this season?
Zach Pressnell|
Mar 27, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly entering a rebuild this season after cutting ties with multiple stars over the offseason. Following that, they reportedly shopped third baseman Nolan Arenado, though they didn't find a suitor to land him.

Besides Arenado, the Cardinals could shop their 102 MPH closer, Ryan Helsley, this season.

FanSided's Zachary Rotman recently predicted the Cardinals would trade Helsley this season before the righty lands in free agency next offseason. Spotrac projects Helsley to sign a six-year, $81 million deal in free agency.

"Helsley is in his final year of club control, putting the Cardinals in a tricky spot," Rotman wrote. "On one hand, they'd certainly love to keep one of the best closers in the sport around. On the other hand, how likely is it that the Cardinals give him the massive contract he's sure to receive in the offseason?

"Assuming the Cardinals shy away from paying a star closer massive money when their team has other holes to consider, St. Louis will likely trade him at the deadline, especially if they're out of postseason contention, to avoid risking losing him for nothing in the winter."

Last season, the trade market for relievers was ridiculously high. The Miami Marlins landed a huge haul from the San Diego Padres in exchange for closer Tanner Scott. The Cardinals could likely land a similar package from a contender in exchange for Helsley this season.

Teams like the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox make sense as potential suitors in this hypothetical blockbuster. The market for the righty will likely heat up as injuries pile up throughout the year as well.

It would make a lot of sense for the Cardinals to capitalize on his value while they can.

More MLB: Cardinals 26-Year-Old Infielder Predicted To Get Called Up, Stick With Roster

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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