Assessing the Cardinals’ Haul in the Ryan Helsley Trade

The St. Louis Cardinals, always with an eye on sustainable success, made a significant move at the 2025 trade deadline, dealing two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. While parting with a fan-favorite and a dominant late-inning arm is never easy, the return package from the Mets offers a glimpse into the Cardinals’ future. Bringing in a trio of promising talents, shortstop Jesus Baez , and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.

Cardinals Receive Top Prospect Jesus Baez

Headlining the return is Jesus Baez. The infielder is ranked as the Mets’ eighth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline and among MLB’s top 100 prospects. At just 20 years old, Baez represents a significant addition to the Cardinals’ middle infield depth. Standing at 5’10” and 180 lbs. Furthermore, Baez has been a steady presence in the minor leagues this season, hitting .242 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 75 games.

He was acquired by the Mets as a highly-touted international free agent in 2022. Baez has shown flashes of both offensive potential and defensive versatility, having played multiple infield positions. Also, his bat-to-ball skills and developing power make him an intriguing offensive prospect. Furthermore, his athleticism suggests he could be a long-term solution as a middle infielder or a valuable utility man. The Cardinals will undoubtedly be patient with his development. Aiming to unlock his full potential as he progresses through their system.

Cardinals Also Acquire Two Pitching Prospects, Dohm and Elissalt

Nate Dohm was ranked as the Mets’ 14th prospect by MLB Pipeline. The 22-year-old was drafted in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State. In 2025, the young righty has pitched in 18 minor league games, starting 17, and holds a 3-5 record with a 2.87 ERA over 62.2 innings. Additionally, he has tallied 77 strikeouts. His fastball, slider, and curveball are considered above-average pitches, with a developing changeup. His prospect profile indicates a strong arm with potential to be a future contributor. The Cardinals’ pitching development staff will have a strong foundation to work with in Dohm, focusing on refining his mechanics and maximizing his stuff.

Frank Elissalt is unranked among the Mets’ top prospects. The 23-year-old was a 19th-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. In 2025, pitching across two minor league levels (primarily Single-A), Elissalt has accumulated a 4-5 record with a 3.04 ERA over 56.1 innings in 20 appearances. He has recorded 65 strikeouts this season, showcasing a developing skillset with his fastball, slider, and changeup.

These unranked prospects often hold hidden gems, and the Cardinals have a history of identifying and developing talent from outside the immediate spotlight. Elissalt’s inclusion in the deal suggests the Cardinals’ scouting department sees something tangible in his raw ability. His acquisition further bolsters the Cardinals’ pitching pipeline, providing another young arm to mold for the years to come.

Immediate Impact Will Be Rough on the Cardinals

While the immediate impact of losing a dominant closer like Helsley will be felt, especially in a tightly contested National League Central race. The Cardinals have clearly prioritized the long-term health of their organization. Helsley was set to hit free agency after the season, making him a prime trade candidate.

By capitalizing on his value now, particularly with a market hungry for quality relief pitching. The Cardinals have acquired a package of prospects that could significantly shape their roster for years to come. The success of this trade will ultimately be measured by the development of Baez, Dohm, and Elissalt, as the Cardinals look to turn prospect potential into big-league production.