JUST NOW: Trade Proposal Sends Cardinals’ Star Player to Yankees

The New York Yankees have adjusted well after missing out on superstar Juan Soto in free agency, bolstering their roster with several key additions. However, they are far from finished and could turn their focus to strengthening the bullpen. St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has emerged as a top trade option.

One potential trade could center on Marcus Stroman, despite reports that the Cardinals previously rejected a Stroman-for-Nolan Arenado deal. Here’s a possible 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 complexities. The Yankees would acquire Mikolas but likely release him, taking on his remaining contract. Meanwhile, the Cardinals would gain Stroman, whose deal includes a vesting option for 2026, reducing financial strain for New York while upgrading the Cardinals’ rotation.

The other element involves sending Helsley to the Yankees in exchange for Chase Hampton, a 23-year-old pitching prospect with dominant stuff and potential as a future frontline starter.

For the Yankees, adding Helsley would enhance their bullpen even further. While they already have Devin Williams as their closer, pairing him with Helsley could create one of the most dominant bullpen tandems in MLB history.