Ryan Helsley has been viewed as a likely trade candidate for nearly a year, ever since the Cardinals announced plans to cut payroll and give more opportunities to younger players heading into 2025. Despite that, St. Louis held on to him throughout the offseason and into trade deadline season. Although they briefly held a Wild Card spot earlier this summer, the team has since lost 13 of its last 19 games and now trails the division leader by nine games. They’re still within striking distance of a Wild Card spot—just two and a half games back—but would need to surpass three other teams.
Given their recent slump, the Cardinals appear to be leaning toward selling at the deadline. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, they’re open to offers not only on Helsley, but also on relievers Phil Maton and Steven Matz. Goold also noted that the club is willing to listen to inquiries about lefty reliever John King and infielder Nolan Gorman, among others. JoJo Romero, another controllable arm, is likely available too.
The reality of a potential trade seems to be settling in. Helsley told The Athletic’s Katie Woo that there’s a “90 percent” chance he gets dealt, acknowledging he’d prefer to stay and win in St. Louis, though that decision isn’t in his hands.
At least five teams have reportedly shown interest, including the Dodgers, Phillies, and Blue Jays — all of whom have had past or recent ties to Helsley. He’s making $8.2 million in his final year of team control. The Cardinals could issue him a qualifying offer and possibly receive draft pick compensation in 2026 if he signs elsewhere, but that would depend on his health and performance the rest of the year — both of which carry risk. The safest way for St. Louis to get a return is to trade him now.
Though Helsley remains effective by league standards, his 2025 numbers reflect a slight decline. He’s posted a 3.09 ERA over 35 innings but has already blown five saves, exceeding last season’s total. His strikeout rate has fallen to 25.5%, continuing a three-year downward trend, and his 9.2% walk rate is slightly elevated compared to previous seasons. His fastball still averages over 99 mph, but even that is a slight dip from 2024.
Despite those trends, Helsley still holds value as one of the top bullpen arms available. He’s a cheaper alternative to higher-priced, longer-controlled closers like Emmanuel Clase, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and David Bednar. Teams in the playoff hunt continue to prioritize high-velocity, late-inning arms, and Helsley fits that mold.
If the Cardinals turn things around quickly, they might opt to retain Helsley and extend a qualifying offer this offseason. But for now, Helsley appears prepared to be traded soon—and he likely won’t be the only Cardinal on the move.