This winter, the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to focus on cutting payroll and creating opportunities for young players to gain MLB experience. As a result, several well-known players may be let go, either through trades or by choosing not to renew their contracts.
A beloved St. Louis player could be on the move as the New York Yankees reportedly view him as a valuable trade option, which would be a significant blow to the Cardinals’ bullpen. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted, “Anyone in need of a closer need only look at the National League Central, where two of the best in baseball will be available.” According to Passan, executives expect both Milwaukee’s Devin Williams and St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley to be available and likely traded at some point this winter.
Ryan Helsley had an impressive season for the Cardinals, finishing with a 7-4 record, a 2.04 ERA, 79 strikeouts against 23 walks, a .210 opponent batting average, a 1.10 WHIP, and a league-best 49 saves in 66 1/3 innings. Jeff Passan noted that teams in need of a closer include the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, and Giants, though most teams would welcome either Helsley or Milwaukee’s Devin Williams in their bullpen. After a standout 2024, Helsley’s market value has climbed to an estimated $80 million over six years (around $13 million per year), per Spotrac. Trading Helsley could be the Cardinals’ best opportunity to strengthen their struggling farm system this offseason.
Though a tough choice, moving Helsley to a large-market team like the Yankees could bring a valuable return to support St. Louis’ future rebuild.
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