Uncovering another possible relief pitcher for shutdown duties: Cardinals
In the midst of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the St. Louis Cardinals are facing an intriguing situation with their bullpen. Riley O'Brien, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher, has been making waves as a potential replacement for the current closer, Ryan Helsley.
O'Brien joined the Cardinals from the Seattle Mariners in November 2023, coming at a virtually free cost. Despite dealing with flexor tendon issues that kept him out for four months of 2024 and part of spring training this season, O'Brien has returned to the mound in fine form.
In his last eight appearances, O'Brien has not allowed a single run and has struck out 10 batters in 9.2 innings. However, his five walks during this period suggest room for improved control. His fastball velocity is elite, averaging 97.8 mph, and he releases the ball closer to the plate than most pitchers, giving batters less time to react. This aggressive approach has been reflected in his Baseball Savant page, where his Stuff+ metric, which measures the quality of a pitcher's offerings, is 114, the second-best in the Cardinals' bullpen.
With Ryan Helsley's status uncertain leading up to the trade deadline, O'Brien is seen as a prime candidate to step into the closer role if Helsley is traded. While O'Brien's limited major league experience and age may limit his potential for further development, his current arsenal and recent effectiveness make him a valuable and potentially dominant bullpen weapon for the Cardinals in the short term.
As the Cardinals continue to navigate the season, they are yet to establish a clear direction. If they decide to sell assets at the deadline, Helsley is likely to bring the most value, and O'Brien could potentially fill the void as the new closer.
In conclusion, Riley O'Brien's recent performances have solidified his position as a strong contender for the St. Louis Cardinals' closer role. His aggressive style and elite fastball velocity make him a formidable opponent for any batter. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals will need to decide whether to hold onto their current closer or take a chance on O'Brien's potential.
During the 2025 Major League Baseball season, Riley O'Brien's performance in the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen has become a subject of interest, particularly as a potential replacement for Ryan Helsley in the closer role. With an elite fastball velocity and an aggressive approach on the mound, O'Brien has demonstrated his value as a promising sports talent in the realm of baseball.
