The St. Louis Cardinals aimed to move several veteran players this offseason but were unable to do so. As a result, they’ll have to wait until this summer’s trade deadline to unload some talent.
Key trade candidates heading into the offseason included fan favorites Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Nolan Arenado. However, all three exercised their full no-trade clauses, making it nearly impossible for the team to move them.
Another potential trade piece from the winter may not finish the 2025 season in St. Louis and is already being linked to two legitimate National League contenders.
“A whole bunch of rental relievers will be traded at the deadline,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote Wednesday when discussing possible trade candidates. “It happens every year. (Ryan) Helsley is the best of the bunch. Early possible landing spots: (Arizona) Diamondbacks and (Philadelphia) Phillies for Helsley.”
Helsley put together an outstanding 2024 season, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.04 ERA, a 79-to-23 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .210 batting average against, a 1.10 WHIP, and a league-leading, franchise-record 49 saves over 66 1/3 innings.
The reigning Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year is set to become a free agent for the first time after this season. If he delivers another dominant campaign, he could be in line for a $100 million contract.
With the Cardinals looking to cut payroll and retool before Chaim Bloom takes over as their head of baseball operations in 2026, trading Helsley this summer wouldn’t be surprising—especially if St. Louis isn’t in contention in the NL Central.
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