The St. Louis Cardinals will be focused on reducing payroll and giving young players more big-league opportunities this winter, which could lead to the departure of several key veterans through trades or by declining contract extensions.
One player who could be on the move is fan favorite Ryan Helsley, with the New York Yankees reportedly showing interest in acquiring him—a potential loss that would significantly impact the Cardinals’ bullpen.
In a recent piece, ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted that two of the best closers in baseball, Milwaukee’s Devin Williams and St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley, could be traded this offseason. “Executives believe both will be moved at some point this winter,” Passan wrote.
Helsley, who posted a 7-4 record, a 2.04 ERA, 49 saves, and a league-leading 79-to-23 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 66 1/3 innings in 2024, is considered one of the top closers available.
Teams in need of a closer, including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants, are all expected to show interest in Helsley.
Ryan Helsley
His breakout season has raised his market value to approximately $80 million for a six-year deal, or about $13 million per year, according to Spotrac.
For the Cardinals, trading Helsley could be a strategic move to bolster their weak farm system. Rebuilding often requires tough decisions, and moving a key reliever like Helsley may be necessary for the team’s long-term growth.
Dealing him to a big-market team like the Yankees could provide a significant return that would help the Cardinals restock their prospects and pave the way for future success.
