Cardinals $8.2 million All-Star closer listed as team's best trade chip

The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in an interesting position. They are remaining in contention in a power-packed National League.

They were not expected to be a contender this year, and many believed that they would ultimately sell pieces off at this year's trade deadline.

They could still sell off certain pieces, but they could also add a piece of two this summer.

John Denton of MLB.com listed All-Star closer Ryan Helsley as their best trade chip as the deadline nears.

"The Cardinals explored the trade market for their two-time All-Star closer early last winter, but they pulled him off the market after the Yankees traded for Williams and the Phillies signed free-agent reliever Jordan Romano. They aren’t likely to do so again at the Trade Deadline with Helsley about to hit free agency for the first time in his career this winter.

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Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals franchise record and being named the NL Reliever of the Year.

This year, he hasn't been quite as effective, but has put up respectable numbers. The 30-year-old right-hander is 3-0 with a 3.52 ERA and has recorded 13 saves in 23 appearances/

The two-time All-Star could still bring back a haul of prospects for St. Louis, and with other areas of their roster performing well, trading him wouldn't necessarily mean giving up on 2025.

In truth, Helsley likely will not be back in 2026, so it makes sense to capitalize on his value now while there's still a chance instead of losing him for nothing more than a qualifying offer pick.

We'll see what St. Louis decides to do.

More MLB: Cardinals' Ryan Helsley breaks silence on trade rumors ahead of MLB trade deadline | Sporting News