Cardinals' Ryan Helsley reveals strong stance on trade rumors

At the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals could look to shake up their roster, one way or another. A strong end to July could have the team buying, while a rough go could have them entering the seller's market.

If they do sell, one of the most highly sought-after players will be closer Ryan Helsley. According to John Denton of MLB.com, Helsley is one of the most likely relievers to be traded at the deadline if St. Louis struggles in July.

But, also in Denton's piece, he included a strong stance from Helsley on his trade potential, and how he feels about a potential trade.

"Helsley," Denton writes, "The longest-tenured Cardinal since 2015, would like to stay and sign a contract extension, but he has the most value because of his two-time All-Star pedigree."

Despite the interest from Helsley in re-signing with the team, the Cardinals might still trade him at the deadline since he'd fetch the strongest return of all their relievers. During his two All-Star seasons, Helsley was one of the best bullpen arms in the game.

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He doesn't want to be traded, but when push comes to shove, there might not be a better choice for the Cardinals than to move him at the deadline. With a lack of high-profile sellers on the market, the Cardinals would likely get a strong return in a potential Helsley trade.

As Denton mentions, the All-Star pedigree rarely becomes available at the deadline, so the Cardinals would surely have plenty of teams interested and could get a solid return for a rental.

And if Helsley still wants to return after a deal, he could sign a new contract with St. Louis in the offseason as a free agent. It's just for a couple of months that Helsley will be forced to be on a new team.

If the Cardinals don't see this season as a time to compete, selling the All-Star closer makes the most sense. He could still make his way back to the city, but for the 2025 season, trading Helsley is the best short-term and long-term move if they're out of contention.

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