The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be starting a rebuilding period this season, having already let numerous veteran players go in free agency. They may now explore trading key players like Ryan Helsley and Nolan Arenado. Helsley, who will be a free agency after the 2025 season, is a strong possibility to be traded. Spotrac predicts the Cardinals’ closer will earn a $81 million contract next offseason.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report anticipated that Helsley would be dealt before hitting free agency, and that he would end the season with the Texas Rangers. Miller wrote, “Helsley Ends Season With: Texas Rangers,” emphasizing Texas’ uncertainty in the closer position. Despite being a contender in 2023, the Rangers underperformed in 2024. They still have a formidable squad, particularly with Jacob deGrom slated to return for the entire season. However, after losing Kirby Yates to the Los Angeles Dodgers, they are now without a viable closer.
Acquiring Helsley would be a huge step for Texas. He led the league in saves in 2024, while playing for a failing Cardinals team, and he is certain to sustain that level of performance with the Rangers. While trading for him could be costly, it would most certainly be a worthwhile investment for Texas.
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