BREAKING: Cardinals Could Land Yankees’ Top Talents in Bold Trade Involving Helsley and Mikolas

The New York Yankees have quickly shifted focus after missing out on Juan Soto in free agency, bringing in considerable talent to bolster their roster. However, the team appears to be far from finished. One area they could address further is the bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley emerging as a prime trade target.

The Yankees might consider building a trade around Marcus Stroman, though reports suggest the Cardinals previously turned down a Stroman-for-Nolan Arenado proposal. Here’s a potential trade scenario:

Yankees receive:

• RHP Ryan Helsley
• 
• RHP Miles Mikolas
• 

Cardinals receive:

• RHP Marcus Stroman
• 
• RHP Chase Hampton (Yankees’ No. 6 prospect)
• 

This trade has several layers. First, swapping Stroman for Mikolas would see the Yankees acquire Mikolas but immediately cut him, absorbing his remaining contract. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would take on Stroman, whose deal includes a vesting option for 2026, providing them with a stronger rotation option while relieving the Yankees of financial strain.

On the other side, the Cardinals would send their closer, Helsley, to New York in exchange for 23-year-old Chase Hampton, a highly regarded pitching prospect. Hampton’s dominant repertoire and potential as a future front-end starter make him a valuable piece in the deal.

For the Yankees, adding Helsley might not fill an urgent need since Devin Williams already serves as their closer, but pairing the two would create one of the most formidable bullpen duos in MLB history.