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Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley Drawing Significant Interest From Contenders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Webb | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:10 PM ET

The Cardinals opened up their second half of the season by getting swept by the Diamondbacks this past weekend. St. Louis has now lost four of its last 15 games and, in turn, fallen to 8.5 games out in the NL Central and 3.5 games out of the final wild card spot.

Given their recent struggles, it seems to be becoming increasingly likely that the Cardinals are going to be sellers at this year's trade deadline, which is now just 10 days away. If they do end up moving anyone, it's three of their relief pitchers who will likely be the most sought after.

Phil Maton and Steven Matz have both been very effective out of the bullpen for St. Louis this year, and both are set to become free agents at the end of the season. Maton has been especially good, posting a 2.55 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings pitched. He's also only making $2 million this year.

The most intriguing trade piece, though, is 31-year-old, two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley. It's been a down year for Helsley, who led the entire MLB with 49 saves last season and finished ninth in Cy Young voting.

In 34 innings pitched in 2025, Helsley has 37 strikeouts and a 3.18 ERA to go along with his 19 saves. After spending each of the first seven years of his MLB career in St. Louis, Helsley will be a free agent this coming offseason.

According to Bob Nightengale, the Cardinals are still undecided as to whether they will trade Helsley or not. St. Louis also does not plan on tendering him a qualifying offer, and with five-plus contenders showing interest, they may be left with no choice but to move on from their closer.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN recently gave Helsley a 60% chance of being traded at the deadline. They named the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, and Mets as the best potential fits.

While it ultimately isn't his decision, Helsley has made it clear that he would prefer to stay in St. Louis.

“I really wish I could keep that [veteran] role, stay here and carry on that Cardinal tradition, but we'll see what happens," Helsley said. "Right now, I’m just trying to take things day by day and win games.”

The Cardinals will look to get back on track tonight when they begin a three-game series with the 24-75 Colorado Rockies.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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