The St. Louis Cardinals have made their first significant move of the offseason, acquiring utility player Michael Helman from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. This trade fills the Cardinals’ 40-man roster as they gear up for spring training.
Helman, 28, has faced a challenging path to the majors. Originally selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Texas A&M, his progress was hindered by injuries. However, after years of persistence, he finally reached the big leagues in 2024.
Though his stint with the Twins was brief—just nine games—Helman made an impact, batting .300 with a .500 slugging percentage over 10 at-bats, collecting three hits and scoring twice.
Prior to his call-up, he excelled at Triple-A St. Paul, hitting .271 with a .439 on-base percentage and a .772 slugging percentage. In 72 games, he recorded 14 home runs, 18 doubles, and 49 RBIs. His defensive versatility also stood out, as he played all three outfield spots and spent time at third base, second base, and shortstop.
The Twins made this move to clear space on their 40-man roster in preparation for the free-agent signings of Harrison Bader and Danny Coulombe. With their roster full and Bader joining the team, Helman’s chances of securing a bench role had all but disappeared.
While Helman isn’t projected to be a star, his right-handed bat and defensive versatility make him a useful depth option. With the Cardinals, he’ll have an opportunity to compete for a bench spot or start the season at Triple-A Memphis.
St. Louis has had a quiet offseason, with trade discussions involving Nolan Arenado stalling and few major moves taking place. While fans are eager for a more impactful addition before spring training, Helman represents a low-risk acquisition that adds depth as the team finalizes its roster.
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