Cardinals blockbuster trade idea sends 2x All-Star closer to Dodgers

The St. Louis Cardinals may be in freefall mode after being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks and losing a crucial game against the Colorado Rockies. They haven't declared what their deadline strategy will be just yet.

Still, it's looking very much like St. Louis will be a seller in the coming days. The team is close in the National League Wild Card race, but has three teams ahead of them for just the final spot.

They have several players teams are already showing interest in. Their biggest trade chip is All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicts that St. Louis will ultimately trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"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," Axisa wrote.

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Helsley is 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 34 appearances and has saved 19 games this season. He hasn't been quite as dominant as he was in 2024, when he saved a franchise record 49 games and was named the NL Reliever of the Year.

Still, he is putting together another solid campaign and is already receiving tons of interest from contending teams. Contenders do tend to overpay for rental relievers at the trade deadline, so St. Louis could capitalize on his value and bring back a haul.

The Cardinals are likely not going to reach the postseason. Their roster isn't on par with the likes of the Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and other contenders.

The farm system is low on pitching and could use a blockbuster trade or two to replenish the supply. We'll see if the Cardinals choose to ultimately trade Helsley.

More MLB: Dodgers predicted to bring $8 million two-time All-Star closer to Los Angeles