Cardinals have tough decision to make with Ryan Helsley

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a difficult spot as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

At 51-48, the Cardinals entered Sunday 8.5 games out of the NL Central, but just 2.5 games out of the final wild-card berth. However, despite being in contention for a playoff spot, the Cardinals may have no choice but to trade closer Ryan Helsley.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Cardinals are uncertain about whether they will trade Helsley. Nightengale further reported that the Cardinals do not plan to offer the qualifying offer to Helsley, potentially forcing their hand regarding a trade.

Although Helsley has not dominated as he did in the previous three years, he has put together a respectable showing in 2025. He has posted a 3.27 ERA and a 1.424 WHIP over his 33 innings, recording 19 saves while striking out 36 batters with 14 walks. A two-time All-Star, Helsley led the majors with 49 saves in 2024.

Nightengale mentioned that at least five contending teams have interest in acquiring Helsley. The question is what the Cardinals would be looking for in return. Although the Cardinals are not expected to extend the qualifying offer, they would receive a compensation pick after the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft if Helsley rejected the QO and signed for more than $50 million. Chances are, the Cardinals would be looking for a similar package of prospects or young major leaguers for their closer.

The Cardinals may be one of the busier teams ahead of the trade deadline. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that they are willing to trade relievers Steven Matz and Phil Maton. Starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Miles Mikolas are impending free agents, with the team looking to move at least one of that duo to open a spot for prospect Michael McGreevy. It is possible that the Cardinals look to straddle the line between buying and selling, with an eye not only to contending for a playoff berth this season, but to strengthen the roster for the future.