Inside The Cardinals

Ryan Helsley Lands $4.4 Million Raise In Potential Final Offseason With Cardinals

The St. Louis flamethrower is on the books for 2025
Nate Hagerty|
May 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals couldn't have asked for much more from 2024 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Ryan Helsley this past season.

After assuming the closing pitcher role with the Cardinals shortly before the 2024 season began, Helsley is now one of the most prolific closers in the game -- a highly coveted one.

Before Helsley is eligible to explore the free-agent market for the first time in his career next year, the Cardinals have agreed with the fireballer to hopefully retain him for another season.

"Sources: Ryan Helsley, Cardinals settle at $8.2 million, avoiding arbitration," first reported by FanSided's Robert Murray on Thursday.

Considering that experts predicted the Cardinals would offer Helsley $8.1 million this winter for his final year of arbitration, it's safe to say St. Louis didn't overspend. The 30-year-old receives a $4.4 million raise from the $3.8 million he earned in 2024.

However, Helsley's projected market value could skyrocket to $100 million next winter, so 2025 could be his final season in the back of the Cardinals bullpen.

It's also possible that Helsley will be traded now that the Cardinals have settled with the right-handed pitcher. Several big-market teams, such as the Philadelphia Phillies, could benefit from adding a solidified closer to their relief core.

Still, the odds of Helsley remaining with the Cardinals for another year seem more likely than him being traded. Hopefully, St. Louis fans will get to enjoy one more year of dominance from their beloved closer.

More MLB: Cardinals Superstar Nolan Arenado 'More Open-Minded' To Expanding Trade Market

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Nate Hagerty
NATE HAGERTY

Nate Hagerty joined “Inside The Cardinals” as a content creator to spread knowledge about his favorite childhood team. A hometown native of Boston, Hagerty chose at an early age of six years old to follow the St. Louis Cardinals. The miraculous season of 04’ for the Red Sox did not deter Hagerty from rooting against his hometown team, nor did it in 2013 against the Red Birds. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu 

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