Cardinals Closer Expecting to be Traded in Coming Days

Ryan Helsley Expects to be Traded

The right-handed closer had the day off for the Cardinals on Monday. However, that didn’t stop him from talking to the media after the Cardinals’ 7-1 win over the Miami Marlins. He told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he gets why the Cardinals would want to trade him.

“Obviously, I want to stay here my whole career,” Helsley told Goold. “But I think they have the perfect opportunity that they want to do now in the season, which is shed some payroll and get some guys out of here and see what the young guys can do in this last 60-or-so-game stretch.”

Helsley has had this expectation for a while. He answered questions about it all offseason leading up to his last contracted year with the Cardinals. While the team was unsure for some time on whether they would buy or sell, an abysmal July has forced the organization’s hand to be sellers.

“The likelihood is probably as great as it’s ever been for me to get traded,” Helsley told Katie Woo with The Athletic last week. “I would say it’s 90 percent I go, 10 percent I stay.”

The odds have likely grown from 90 percent since those comments. The Cardinals are now nine games out of their division and three and a half games out of a Wild Card spot. Helsley is one of the most attractive trade pieces on the market at the moment as well.

Trade Market for Ryan Helsley is Heating Up

Helsley has been one of the most effective closers in baseball over the past two years. Contending teams would love to add him to their roster for a stretch and postseason run. Mark Feinsand, an insider for MLB Network, reported that at least six teams have interest in Helsley. He named the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays as potential suitors.

The MLB placed one of the game’s other premier closers, Emmanuel Clase, has been placed on leave pending an investigation into sports betting this week. The news ended any speculations that the Cleveland Guardians may move Clase at the deadline. In turn, that only increased the market for Helsley.

The Cardinals want to build for the future and set future president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom up well when he takes over at the end of the season. They will be tempted to move Helsley and other bullpen pieces if they can get a high return of prospects. Phil Maton, Steven Matz, and JoJo Romero all have a chance to be moved as well.

“Our minor league system has been crushed by injuries,” Helsley told Goold on Monday. “Obviously, that makes even more sense to trade us now to get some prospects.”

Helsley Open to Signing With Cardinals in Free Agency

For the first time in his career, Helsley will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. He’s likely to have plenty of suitors in the open market. If the Cardinals were one of those suitors, Helsley told Goold he would be open to coming back even if they traded him.

“I’ve gotten close with a lot of these young guys, and I just feel like the tradition is here,” Helsley told Goold. “Knowing the past greats and getting the chance I’ve had to be involved in the community. All of that means something to me. It’s A to Z, top to bottom, all of the things that are involved with being a St. Louis Cardinal is appealing.”

Helsley has maintained since the offseason that his preference is to stay with the Cardinals. It’s the only organization he’s ever played for. It’s also the closest organization to his home state of Oklahoma. However, he will have the chance to sign a large contract this offseason. If the Cardinals are willing to pay that, they have a strong chance of bringing him back. That will depend on whether the Cardinals spend or have another offseason of cutting costs.