With several months still remaining before the MLB trade deadline, playoff hopefuls around the league are already strategizing for key midseason acquisitions—and one name generating considerable buzz is St. Louis Cardinals beloved star. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the hard-throwing right-hander is “likely” to be traded before the July 31 deadline, positioning him as one of the most sought-after arms on the market.
The 29-year-old star has emerged as one of the league’s premier closers, thanks to a blazing 100-mph fastball and a curveball that has grown sharper with each passing season. In 2023, he led the National League with 49 saves, posted a stellar 2.45 ERA, and was crowned the NL Reliever of the Year, cementing his status as an elite late-inning weapon. His continued dominance from the bullpen has made him an attractive option for contenders in urgent need of bullpen stability—particularly the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks, who are both reportedly monitoring his availability closely.
Since taking over as the Cardinals’ closer in 2022, closer Ryan Helsley has been nothing short of dominant. Across three seasons (2022–2024), he compiled a 1.83 ERA, racked up 83 saves, and struck out nearly 35% of opposing hitters. His ERA ranks third among qualified MLB relievers over that span, his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) sits fourth, and his strikeout rate ranks in the top ten. This level of consistent excellence makes him an ideal high-impact rental for any team chasing postseason success.
Although the Cardinals opted not to move Helsley during the offseason—despite serious interest from teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Diamondbacks—their disappointing 12–15 start to the 2024 campaign has changed the calculus. With no progress on a long-term contract extension and Helsley’s free agency looming after the season, the organization may now be more motivated to deal him while his trade value remains sky-high.
A proven All-Star, Helsley would immediately upgrade any bullpen in baseball. With the Cardinals unlikely to commit to a future with him, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the next chapter of his career will be written in a new uniform before the trade deadline arrives.
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