The St. Louis Cardinals are currently evaluating the possibility of trading their All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley amid growing interest from several teams. This situation has sparked significant debate around the potential impact such a move would have on the team’s bullpen and overall roster strategy, raising questions about short-term sacrifices versus long-term gains.
Prospects for a Deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers
One commentator shaping this discussion is Zach Pressnell of Fansided.com, who highlights the merits of a possible trade between the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pressnell argues that the Cardinals should leverage Helsley’s high market value to secure a player ready to contribute immediately. He outlines options including Dodgers prospects Justin Wrobleski, Bobby Miller, and James Outman, suggesting that any of these players could address key needs on the Cardinals’ roster without delay.
This proposal embodies a twofold approach: the Cardinals would part ways with a critical bullpen piece but gain a player with major-league experience who can fill vital roles, potentially reinforcing either their starting rotation or outfield depth. This exchange could blend immediate competitiveness with the organization’s future orientation.
Impact on the Cardinals’ Bullpen and Roster Depth
Trading Helsley, known for his effectiveness in late-inning situations, would certainly reshape the Cardinals’ bullpen lineup. His departure could create pressure to find reliable relief options, but acquiring a versatile MLB-ready player under team control for multiple seasons might provide broader value. This decision crunch reflects the Cardinals’ careful balancing act between addressing current playoff aspirations and securing assets for sustained success.
Moving a valuable arm like Helsley signals the franchise’s openness to evolving within an ever-changing league landscape. For the Cardinals, the potential to upgrade other parts of the team while managing bullpen risks demonstrates a thoughtful and measured approach to roster building.
The Strategic Outlook for the Cardinals Going Forward
The considerations surrounding a Ryan Helsley Cardinals Dodgers trade underscore an important strategic crossroads for the organization. The move could offer a pathway to immediate roster reinforcement through MLB-ready talent while challenging the stability of a bullpen that has played a pivotal role in the team’s recent performance. How the Cardinals choose to navigate this opportunity may reveal their priorities as they aim to balance competitiveness in the current season with developmental goals for the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Ryan Helsley throw?
A. He threw 18 pitches that reached speeds over 100 mph, ranking ninth in Major League Baseball. His fastest pitches, clocked at 101.5 mph, occurred on two occasions, April 16 during his MLB debut and September 20. Along with Jordan Hicks, who threw 206 pitches at this speed, he was the only Cardinals player to achieve this speed. Additionally, 27% of his pitches, or 156 out of 577, were thrown at 98 mph or faster.
Q. How fast can Ryan Helsley throw?
A. In 2025, the player primarily uses a Fourseam Fastball at 99mph and a Slider at 89mph. They occasionally throw an 80mph Curveball. The player rarely uses a 93mph Cutter.
Q. How fast is Ryan Helsley’s fastball?
A. Helsley’s fastball is incredibly fast, ranging from 95 to 101 mph. Its excellent spin makes hitters often miss it because it moves so well.