ESPN: Cardinals Hit with Major News as $81 Million Pitcher Departs

The St. Louis Cardinals appeared to signal the beginning of a rebuild when they made several roster-altering moves early in the offseason. That shift in direction is expected to shape the team’s strategy throughout the rest of the year—particularly as the trade deadline approaches. One of the biggest decisions looming for the franchise centers around cardinals star closer

According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Cardinals are highly likely to part ways with him in what could become one of the most talked-about trades of the season. Schoenfield described the move as a near certainty if St. Louis finds itself out of contention. “He is the easy one here: he’s an elite closer in his walk year. He’ll be in high demand if the Cardinals aren’t in it,” Schoenfield noted.

He is entering the final year of his current contract, and financial projections from Spotrac suggest he could command a massive payday—possibly around $81 million—in free agency. Given that figure and the Cardinals’ current trajectory, trading him rather than losing him for nothing seems like the smart move.

This situation mirrors last year’s trade involving Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins, who netted a substantial return as the top bullpen arm available on the market. Now, St. Louis is in a position to command even more in exchange for Ryan Helsley. who is widely considered the premier closer available this year. Multiple contenders—such as the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and other playoff hopefuls—are expected to inquire about his availability.

Helsley’s performance continues to speak for itself. He’s one of the game’s most dominant late-inning arms and has proven he can anchor a bullpen in high-pressure scenarios. The return package for a reliever of his caliber could bring in multiple top-10 prospects, helping the Cardinals stockpile young talent as they reshape their roster.

For St. Louis, the writing may already be on the wall. Unless there’s a sudden and dramatic turnaround in the standings, the team is expected to cash in on one of their most valuable assets. As the trade deadline draws closer, all eyes will be on Helsley—and the blockbuster deal that now seems inevitable.