New Author Proposes Revolutionary Trading Plan to Potentially Reinforce Cardinals' Starting Pitchers
Wicked Raw Rewrite: St. Louis Cardinals' Ryan Helsley on the Trade Block
The St. Louis Cardinals are in a state of chaos, and it all started during the offseason when the President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, announced a "reset" for the 2025 season. With no major moves in sight, that term swiftly shifted to a "transition," leaving fans feeling the heat of the team's inactivity.
Currently, the team is floundering around the .500 mark, stirring debates about whether they'll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. However, one player that might be better off being dealt, regardless of the route the Cardinals choose, is closer Ryan Helsley. His peculiar usage patterns this season could affect his overall worth.
Under-the-Radar Swap Suggestion: Helsley to the Phillies for Mick Abel
The Philadelphia Phillies, known for their bullpen struggles this year, are on the hunt for relief pitchers. With their relievers blowing eight saves and losing four games, they trail behind the Mets, whom the Cardinals recently swept, in the NL East. Closer Jose Alvarado is the shining light, with a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities, but the team needs someone to complement him from the right side. Enter Ryan Helsley.
Cardinals fans have found it challenging to keep up with Helsley's appearances on the mound. He has had the fewest appearances (12) among the full-time bullpen crew and has yet to throw more than an inning in a game, missing multiple appearances due to rest. When he pitches, he's decent but not outstanding, with five saves in seven chances and a worrisome eight walks against 11 strikeouts. Without a consistent workload, finding his rhythm must be tough. With the Phillies eyeing a playoff run this year and beyond, Helsley could provide a quick fix to their woes.
National writer Jim Bowden suggests sending Helsley to the Phillies in exchange for pitching prospect Mick Abel. If the Cardinals decide to pull the trigger on this deal, they'd land a talented young pitcher who has already made it to Triple-A, boasting a formidable mid-90s fastball with the potential for explosive breaking stuff. This addition would be warmly welcomed by the Cardinals, who have concerns about their current minor league pitching depth.
In the event that the Cardinals are sellers, Abel would slot in nicely as a trading chip for more immediate help. If they decide to remain competitive, he could develop into a promising rotation piece. Either way, Abel's potential makes him an appealing acquisition for the Cardinals.
So, should the Cardinals pull the plug on Helsley and make a deal? They'll likely be under pressure to get a good return before his contract expires after the season, making him a prime candidate for a trade. With his value diminished due to recent struggles and a projected $81 million contract in free agency, the Cardinals might want to cash in while they still can. But if they decide to hold on to him, he could still be an asset to a team striving for success this season. Only time will tell.
The Philadelphia Phillies, struggling with their bullpen this season, might provide a suitable destination for Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals' closer who has experienced peculiar usage patterns this season. In return, the Cardinals could receive Mick Abel, a promising pitching prospect with a formidable fastball currently in Triple-A. The possibility of Helsley's departure could escalate as the Cardinals might want to cash in on his value before his contract expires at the end of the season, given his recent struggles and a projected high contract in free agency.
