The St. Louis Cardinals are preparing to embark on the rebuild many thought would happen years ago. The team could explore trading several key veterans, including Ryan Helsley, Nolan Arenado, and Sonny Gray. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Cardinals are expected to take significant steps in this rebuild. Bowden predicts a blockbuster offseason trade, with Helsley, their star closer, heading to the Philadelphia Phillies. Spotrac projects Helsley to sign a six-year, $82 million deal when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season.
“The Cardinals are focused on rebuilding, while the Phillies are searching for a hard-throwing, impactful reliever,” Bowden explained. “Having lost high-leverage relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez to free agency, addressing this need is a top priority for Philadelphia.” Helsley, who earned the Trevor Hoffman Award this year as the National League’s best closer, recorded a 2.04 ERA, 49 saves, and 79 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings.
Bowden also proposed a potential trade scenario involving both Helsley and Arenado. In this deal, the Cardinals could send the pair to the Phillies in exchange for third baseman Alec Bohm and a package of prospects.
The Phillies would get the reliever and Bohm replacement they desire with this deal. It would relieve the Cardinals of Arenado’s enormous deal and provide them with a young All-Star at third base. Although there have been no rumors that anything of this nature has been negotiated, it is undoubtedly the foundation of a deal that might be very advantageous. Given the needs of both team, I wouldn’t be shocked to see these two sides come together in a trade this offseason.
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