The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be undergoing a full-scale rebuild, and although they have kept star closer Ryan Helsley so far, that may soon change as the season nears. Helsley’s contract expires after the 2025 season, and with him projected to land an $81 million deal in free agency (according to Spotrac), it’s unlikely to be with the Cardinals. Trading him would be a logical step for St. Louis as they continue to rebuild.
Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report recently suggested the Cardinals could trade Helsley, proposing a deal that would send the closer to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Here’s Rymer’s proposed trade:
Arizona Diamondbacks receive: RHP Ryan Helsley
St. Louis Cardinals receive: RHP Yilber Diaz (No. 6 prospect)
Rymer highlighted that the Diamondbacks are among the teams interested in Helsley, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, John Denton, and Bryan Hoch. The Diamondbacks, having strengthened their rotation for 2024, still need to improve their bullpen, which has been a major weakness. Acquiring Helsley would address this issue and potentially turn their bullpen into a strength. While the Diamondbacks don’t have many high-profile assets, they could entice the Cardinals with a promising prospect who could contribute quickly.
After making a splash by acquiring Corbin Burnes in a trade this winter, the Diamondbacks have shown they’re serious about competing. A move for Helsley would boost their chances even more in the NL West, helping them compete with dominant teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Be the first to comment