Ryan Helsley Braces for Trade as Cardinals Teeter on the Brink

As the July 31st MLB trade deadline looms, St. Louis Cardinals’ closer Ryan Helsley has offered a candid assessment of his future. Admitting he believes there’s a “90 percent chance” he will be traded. This stark declaration comes as the Cardinals find themselves in a precarious position. Battling for relevancy while staring down a potential rebuild.

Helsley, a two-time All-Star, has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ bullpen for seven seasons. He has accumulated 104 saves in his career. However, he is in the final year of his contract, earning $8.2 million. Furthermore, he is projected to command a significant salary in free agency next winter. With the Cardinals’ inconsistent performance since the All-Star break, sitting at 53-51 and nine games out of first place in the NL Central (though only 2.5 games back in the Wild Card race as of July 25, 2025), the organization appears to be weighing its options.

Helsley Feels Trade Is Likely

For Helsley, the reality of the situation is clear. “The likelihood is probably as great as it’s ever been for me to get traded,” he told The Athletic’s Katie Woo and Will Sammon. While he has expressed a desire to remain with the Cardinals and contribute to a winning culture in St. Louis. He understands that the decision is ultimately out of his hands. “I want to stay here. I want to help us win here, with the Cardinals,” he stated, but the business side of baseball often dictates otherwise.

Contending teams are always in search of high-leverage relief pitching. Despite some fluctuations in his 2025 performance (a 3.09 ERA with 20 saves in 24 opportunities), Helsley remains a coveted asset. The righty’s whiff rate and strikeout rate have seen a dip compared to last year. However, his track record and experience in critical situations make him an attractive target for clubs looking to bolster their bullpen for a playoff push. He and Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase are widely considered the top closers available on the trade market.

Strategic Shift for Cardinals

The decision to trade Helsley would signify a clear strategic shift for the Cardinals. Potentially signaling a more extensive rebuild or retooling phase. It would allow them to acquire prospects and future assets rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. While a qualifying offer could secure a compensatory draft pick, that move would also carry a significant financial commitment and the assumption of continued health and production.

As the trade deadline rapidly approaches, all eyes will be on the Cardinals’ front office. All will be waiting to see if they follow Helsley’s expectation and move their valuable closer. For Helsley, a dedicated Cardinal, the next few days will determine where he continues to ply his trade.