The St. Louis Cardinals are at a crucial crossroads following a disappointing series of losses, including a sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks and a close defeat to the Colorado Rockies. As the trade deadline nears, uncertainty surrounds the team’s next moves, with growing indications that the Cardinals may adopt a seller’s stance, fueled by the ongoing Ryan Helsley trade deadline speculation.
Challenges in the National League Wild Card Race
Despite lingering hopes for a postseason appearance, the Cardinals find themselves trailing behind three other teams competing for the final playoff spot in the National League Wild Card race. Their chances of reaching October baseball appear increasingly slim, prompting talks of a strategic rebuild or roster adjustments to prepare for future seasons.
Among the players generating significant interest from contenders, All-Star closer Ryan Helsley stands out as St. Louis’s most valuable trade asset, drawing attention from multiple teams looking to strengthen their bullpens.
Los Angeles Dodgers Show Strong Interest in Helsley
According to CBS Sports reporter Mike Axisa, a deal sending Helsley to the Los Angeles Dodgers seems likely. The Dodgers, known for their aggressive pursuit of championships, face persistent bullpen weaknesses and view Helsley as a key addition to their relief corps.
“POBO Andrew Friedman doesn’t like overpaying at the trade deadline, but he doesn’t have much of a choice right now. The Dodgers are the most win-now team in the sport and the bullpen is a huge weakness.”
—Mike Axisa, CBS Sports reporter
Helsley has maintained strong performances this season with a 3-1 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 19 saves in 34 appearances. While he hasn’t matched his franchise-record 49-save season or earned NL Reliever of the Year honors again, he remains an attractive option for teams seeking reliable late-inning pitching.
Potential Benefits and Challenges of Trading Helsley
With the trade deadline approaching rapidly, Helsley’s value is near a peak, as contenders traditionally pay a premium for established relief pitchers who can make an immediate impact. The Cardinals could capitalize on this trend to obtain valuable prospects or players to rebuild their roster.
However, St. Louis must carefully weigh the implications of such a trade, as their current pitching depth is limited, and their farm system lacks high-end pitching prospects. This makes any decision regarding Helsley critical, both for the team‘s immediate competitiveness and long-term stability.
Looking Ahead: What the Trade Deadline Could Mean for St. Louis
As the Cardinals struggle to keep pace with playoff contenders such as the Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies, their strategy at the trade deadline could define their trajectory for years. Moving Helsley could signal a commitment to rebuilding, while retaining him might indicate a continued push for the postseason.
The outcome of this critical decision will influence not only the team‘s short-term performance but also its ability to develop a sustainable core going forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the deadline approaches to see how the Cardinals navigate these difficult choices amid the swirling Ryan Helsley trade deadline speculation.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Ryan Helsley throw?
A. In 2025, the pitcher mainly uses a Fourseam Fastball at 99 mph and a Slider at 89 mph. They also occasionally throw a Curve at 80 mph, but they rarely use a Cutter, which is thrown at 93 mph.