The St. Louis Cardinals are exploring trade options for their record-breaking All-Star closer, during the 2024 offseason, though he has expressed a desire to remain with the only MLB team he’s ever played for.
He, an Oklahoma native who was drafted and developed by the Cardinals, recently completed his 10th season with the organization in historic fashion. He recorded a 2.04 ERA over 66 1/3 innings and led the league with 49 saves, setting a franchise record. Although initially selected for the All-Star team, Helsley opted out due to injury concerns and was replaced by Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan.
As Helsley approaches his final year of arbitration, the Cardinals, in the midst of a re-tooling phase, face a difficult decision: should they commit to paying one of the game’s elite closers when they are not positioned as contenders?
The Grass Might Not Be Greener for Ryan Helsley
According to John Denton of MLB.com, Ryan Helsley’s preference is to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he is preparing for the possibility of being traded in the coming weeks. With the MLB Winter Meetings scheduled for December 9-12, a period often known for blockbuster trades, the situation remains uncertain.
“If I get traded, I hope it’s to a team that I can help win,” Helsley stated. “But that would be an emotional day because I grew up rooting for the Cardinals, was drafted by them in 2015, and have spent 10 years with them. At the end of the day, though, I’ve got to be professional and move on if it comes to that.”
The Cardinals are actively seeking payroll flexibility, and Helsley is projected to receive a significant raise in his final arbitration year. His league-leading save total bolsters his leverage, as saves are a key factor in arbitration valuations. Beyond 2025, Helsley will become an unrestricted free agent, potentially commanding $16 to $20 million annually—placing him among the top earners in the reliever market.
Whether the Cardinals trade Helsley hinges on their contention timeline. Moving him to a team in need of a closer, such as the New York Yankees or Toronto Blue Jays, could yield a substantial return for their farm system.
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