Two teams are speculated to be pursuing Ryan Helsley, a standout player for the Arizona Cardinals.
In the heart of the 2025 baseball season, the bullpens across the major leagues continue to shake up, and St. Louis Cardinals' standout closer Ryan Helsley remains a hot dialogue point. With the Cards undergoing a "youth movement," Helsley's services might just be the luxury they can't afford, considering his status as the team's most valuable trade chip and his impending free agency at the season's end.**
Rumors swirled that Helsley would be traded before the season's commencement, but the fireballer made it clear that he'd prefer to stay in St. Louis. With contending teams in need of a reliable closer, this desire could work to the Cardinals' advantage, potentially fetching more assets at the deadline.**
Helsley ranked first in the league with 49 saves in 2024, earning his second All-Star selection. However, with the Cardinals' less-than-stellar bullpen, Helsley has only tallied four saves in five opportunities this season. Teams hoping to clinch that elusive championship title see Helsley as the missing piece to push them over the edge.
According to recent buzz, at least two teams have shown interest in Helsley: the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Based on Bob Nightengale's report in USA Today, the Phillies, who currently boast the second-highest ERA in the league (5.46), have been inquiring about Helsley as a potential solution for their woes in the arm barn. The Phillies performed fairly well with a 15-13 record and second place in the NL East despite these struggles, but their refusal to part with top prospects Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller might hinder any trade talks.
Similarly, the Diamondbacks, with a 4.69 ERA and five blown saves, may also be eyeing Helsley to fortify their bullpen. A.J. Puk's extended absence and Justin Martinez's injury concerns mean they could be on the hunt for a reliable late-game reliever.
In 2022-2024, Helsley boasted a fantastic ERA of 1.83 and an impressive 83 saves, making him an attractive option for contenders. The Cardinals must be cautious if they plan on trading him at the deadline, as they would ideally receive a substantial return to avoid the misfortune of Helsley getting hurt and leaving them empty-handed.
As the longest-tenured Cardinal, Helsley has consistently proven to be a class act in St. Louis. Though the thought of him in another uniform pains Cardinals fans, a successful trade could mean a more promising future for the team, with rebuilding potential completed in a couple of seasons.
- Despite the ongoing speculation, Ryan Helsley has expressed his preference to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals, a sentiment that could potentially result in more assets being accrued at the trade deadline given the demand for his services.
- In light of the potential trade interest from contending teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cardinals should exercise caution to ensure they receive a substantial return for Helsley, considering his stellar performance over the last few years and the risk of injury.
- With the trading deadline approaching, the Cardinals face a challenging decision regarding Helsley, a decision that could shape the future of the team, either by reaping the benefits of a successful trade or by retaining a valued veteran who could contribute to a more promising future.
- As the 2025 baseball season progresses and rumors continue to circulate about the potential trade of Ryan Helsley, Cardinals fans watch with bated breath, hopeful that their beloved standout closer will make a lasting impact on the team, whether it be in St. Louis or as a key addition for a contending team in need of a reliable closer.
