Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Could Trade $81 Million Pitcher To Loaded NL Contender

Could the Braves target Ryan Helsley?
Zach Pressnell|
Apr 22, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

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St. Louis CardinalsAtlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves need to add relief pitching this season. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently listed the Braves' biggest need as the closer spot ahead of the trade deadline.

"After years as one of the best closers in baseball, Raisel Iglesias is off to an ugly start this season, converting just 6-of-9 save chances with a 6.06 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 17 appearances," Reuter wrote. "He has allowed six home runs in 16.1 innings, and his 6.29 FIP and dip in velocity raise some serious questions about his ability to turn things around."

With a hole like this on the roster, the Braves could look to upgrade the position in the biggest way possible. The best reliever expected to be on the market his season is St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.

Helsley has been dominant since being elevated to the Cardinals' closer in 2022. Over the last three-plus seasons, Helsley has a 1.92 ERA and 90 saves over 182 2/3 innings. He led the league in saves with 49 last season.

The Braves could package some of their young pitching prospects alongside a position player prospect in order to bring Helsley to Atlanta. They also have the necessary money to make a real attempt at re-signing Helsley when he lands in free agency. Spotrac projects him to sign for six years and $81 million in free agency.

However, there is a chance the Cardinals end up being very competitive at the trade deadline. If that happens, there's a chance St. Louis refuses to trade Helsley this season.

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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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