MLB Rumors: Cardinals Listening To Offers On Star Closer

December 02, 2024

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially entered the offseason trade market, with All-Star closer Ryan Helsley emerging as one of their most valuable trade chips. 

Helsley, 30, is coming off a stellar 2024 season, leading MLB with 49 saves while posting a 2.04 ERA over 66.1 innings. 

Armed with a 99.6 mph fastball and a devastating slider with a 36.1% whiff rate, he is widely regarded as one of the game’s elite relievers. 

With one year of team control remaining and a projected arbitration salary of $6.9 million, Helsley is a cost-effective yet game-changing addition for contenders. As one MLB insider noted, “The Cardinals will undoubtedly seek a sizeable return for his services.”

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Helsley, along with other players like left-hander Steven Matz, is actively being discussed in trade talks. 

Moving Helsley not only reduces payroll but also offers an opportunity to acquire top-tier prospects. Teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies are already rumored to be interested. 

The Blue Jays, in particular, view Helsley as a key piece to solidify their bullpen after non-tendering closer Jordan Romano, while the Phillies might consider him as part of a larger deal involving third baseman Nolan Arenado.

With a projected Competitive Balance Tax payroll of $162 million for 2025, shedding his salary could ease financial constraints and allow the team to focus on the long-term. 

As one executive noted, “He’s exactly the kind of player a team pays a premium to acquire for a playoff run,” ensuring that the Cardinals are in a strong position to command significant returns.

Photo Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images


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