Cardinals All-Star closer listed as team's top offseason trade chip

The St. Louis Cardinals fell short of the postseason in 2024 after finishing 83-79. Their second straight season without October baseball has led them to change direction.

Now, the team is looking to not only rebuild, but shed some salary and create opportunities for younger players to prove themselves. Certain players could be traded. 

One of them could be All-Star closer Ryan Helsley. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report lists the Cardinals closer as the team's top trade chip this offseason.

"The Cardinals are looking to trim Major League payroll, but might have their hands tied if the likes of Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado choose not to waive their no-trade clauses.

"One player they should have no problem trading is closer Ryan Helsley, who recently won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year," Kelly wrote.

"There might be some temptation to try and work out a long-term deal with Helsley, but if you aren't planning to contend in 2025, selling high on your 30-year-old closer, particularly one who puts a lot of stress on his elbow with how hard he throws probably makes sense."

Helsley led the Major Leagues with 49 saves and set the Cardinals single-season record in the process. He also went 7-4 with a 2.04 ERA in 65 appearances and was worth 3.0 Wins Above Replacement.

The Cardinals can certainly get a haul for Helsley, as his value is as high as it has ever been or will be in the near future. The team obviously is taking a step back from contention in 2025, so now would be the time to capitalize on his value.

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