The St. Louis Cardinals started the second half of their season on a sour note by being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks last weekend. Currently, the team has lost four of its last 15 games, falling behind by 8.5 games in the NL Central and trailing by 3.5 games for the final wild card spot. With the trade deadline just 10 days away, the Cardinals may shift into selling mode to reshape their roster.
Relief Pitchers Among Most Likely Trade Assets
If the Cardinals decide to trade players, their bullpen arms are expected to attract the most interest. Phil Maton and Steven Matz, both solid contributors, will be free agents after the season. Maton, in particular, has impressed with a 2.55 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 35 1/3 innings while earning just $2 million this year, making him an appealing trade option.
Ryan Helsley Emerges as the Top Trade Candidate
Despite a slower year compared to his past performance, Ryan Helsley remains the most notable trade asset. The 31-year-old, two-time All-Star closer led MLB with 49 saves last season and finished ninth in Cy Young Award voting. In 2025, Helsley has recorded a 3.18 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 19 saves in 34 innings. After spending his entire seven-year career in St. Louis, he will be a free agent this offseason.
Uncertainty Surrounds Helsley’s Future with Cardinals
According to Bob Nightengale, the Cardinals have yet to finalize a decision on trading Helsley and are not expected to offer him a qualifying offer. Interest has been strong, with at least five playoff contenders—Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets—expressing interest. ESPN analysts Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan estimate a 60% chance that Helsley will be moved at the deadline.
Helsley’s Desire to Remain with St. Louis
Though his future remains uncertain, Helsley has expressed a preference to stay with the Cardinals.
I really wish I could keep that [veteran] role, stay here and carry on that Cardinal tradition, but we’ll see what happens,
Helsley said.
Right now, I’m just trying to take things day by day and win games.
—Ryan Helsley, closer
Cardinals Look to Regain Momentum Against Rockies
St. Louis aims to turn their season around when they face the struggling Colorado Rockies in a three-game series starting tonight. With the trade deadline looming, how the Cardinals proceed could significantly shape their postseason hopes and the future of key players like Helsley.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast can Ryan Helsley throw?
A. In 2025, this player mainly uses a Fourseam Fastball at 99 mph and a Slider at 89 mph. They sometimes mix in an 80 mph Curveball. The Cutter, at 93 mph, is thrown infrequently.