St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, Ryan Helsley, believes that his future with the team will be determined by the upcoming trade deadline.
In a surprise move before the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals traded Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. Helsley, one of the longest-tenured players on the Cardinals' roster, had been anticipated to be traded to potential destinations such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Helsley, who has a 3.09 ERA in 35 games this year with 39 strikeouts and 20 saves, had expressed a desire to remain with the Cardinals but understood their potential rebuilding phase. The Cardinals' general manager, John Mozeliak, has virtually confirmed the team's status as sellers.
The Cardinals were considering trading Helsley due to contenders' need for bullpen help and their willingness to pay for him. Along with Helsley, Phil Maton and Steven Matz were prime candidates to be moved by the team. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported that names like Nolan Gorman, John King, and other players with club control could also be moved by the Cardinals.
If Helsley is traded, it will mark the end of a seven-year career with the Cardinals. However, the Cardinals could explore a reunion with Helsley during free agency this offseason. Other contenders could also make sense for Helsley to land with, as the Dodgers, Phillies, and Blue Jays, along with other teams, have shown interest in the pitcher.
A trade of Helsley could signal a new chapter in Cardinals history, as the team aims to bring in prospects at the deadline to help build toward the future. The trade of Helsley to the Mets comes after at least five teams showed interest in acquiring him, including the Dodgers, Phillies, and Blue Jays.
Ryan Helsley's journey with the St. Louis Cardinals has come to an end, but his impact on the team will not be forgotten. As he embarks on a new journey with the New York Mets, fans and teammates alike will eagerly await his continued success in the MLB.
The Cardinals' trade of Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets may not be a surprise given his potential value to MLB contenders seeking bullpen help. Despite his desire to remain with the Cardinals and contribution to their roster, Helsley's move could potentially lead him to teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, or Toronto Blue Jays.
