So much for calling 2025 a “transition year.”
At the start of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals looked like a team stuck between eras—partly clinging to the past while appearing headed for a rebuild. The main topic around MLB wasn’t about whether they’d contend but rather how many veterans they’d offload by the trade deadline.
Nolan Arenado? Already dealt. Erick Fedde? Traded for prospects. Sonny Gray? Sent to a contender in need of pitching. Even breakout performer Brendan Donovan was popping up in speculative trade rumors.
But now, a quarter into the season, the storyline has taken a dramatic turn.
With a 28–23 record, the Cardinals are just three games behind the Cubs in the NL Central and sit only a game out of the final NL wild-card spot. The playoff picture is crowded, with Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Arizona, and Atlanta all within 3.5 games—making this a genuine race.
The narrative has shifted: instead of a sell-off, the Cardinals are facing a crossroads.
Now the front office, led by John Mozeliak, must figure out what kind of team they have. Are they a dark horse playoff contender with a seasoned core worth backing? Or are they clinging to relevance, better off flipping expiring contracts while values are high?
Regardless of the direction they take, Garrett Kerman of ClutchPoints argues there’s one player they should definitely move—closer Ryan Helsley.
The 30-year-old flamethrower, in his seventh year with St. Louis, has converted 10 of 12 save chances this season with a 3.71 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17 innings. After leading the National League with 49 saves in 2024, Helsley is set to hit free agency, and the Cardinals don’t appear likely to re-sign him.
MLB Analyst Suggests Cardinals Trade Pending Free Agent Ryan Helsley
Kerman writes that Helsley, who many consider to have had the best season by a reliever in franchise history last year, is a prime trade candidate—especially for a team trying to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term planning, particularly given their depth of young arms.
He also points to the Dodgers as a perfect fit. With aspirations of becoming the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the Yankees (1998–2000), Los Angeles needs late-inning stability—something Helsley could provide.
“For the Dodgers, acquiring Helsley solidifies the ninth inning for a team with World Series ambitions and recent late-inning struggles,” Kerman notes.
Trade Proposal Includes Two Dodgers Prospects for Closer Ryan Helsley
Kerman proposed a potential return package for Ryan Helsley that includes three players: top outfield prospect Josue De Paula (ranked No. 2 in the Dodgers’ system), right-handed pitcher Nick Frasso (No. 12), and 28-year-old reliever Michael Grove. However, Grove recently underwent shoulder surgery and isn’t expected to pitch in 2025, so alternatives like Jack Dreyer or Anthony Banda might make more sense as the third piece.
Still, Kerman’s core argument stands: rather than letting Helsley walk in free agency for just a compensatory pick, the Cardinals should capitalize on his trade value now.
Dealing Helsley wouldn’t signal a surrender of the 2025 campaign—it would be a strategic decision that reflects the Cardinals’ current reality.
“This isn’t a panic move or a sign of giving up,” Kerman said. “It’s a calculated step rooted in long-term planning. By moving Helsley at peak value, the Cardinals can restock their farm system, address future roster needs, and preserve flexibility as their young talent continues to grow.”
