Cardinals trade idea sends two-time All-Star closer to Dodgers

The St. Louis Cardinals have outperformed their expectations thus far. In a year where they were supposed to be rebuilding, St. Louis is 51-46 at the All-Star break, just 1 1/2 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot.

Still, their direction for the trade deadline is unclear at the moment. They have not decided whether they will buy or sell. Perhaps they could make moves in both directions.

If they decide to sell, they have some obvious trade candidates. The biggest trade chip is closer Ryan Helsley.

Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut recently listed Helsley as a top trade candidate, predicting that St. Louis will ultimately trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"The St. Louis Cardinals will likely be receptive to moving Ryan Helsley in a contract year, especially since re-signing him is unlikely. The 30-year-old would provide Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with another late-inning option and would allow for Los Angeles to use its bullpen even more in October," Johnson wrote.

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Helsley saved 49 games in 2024, setting a Cardinals franchise record and later being named the NL Reliever of the Year. He also posted a 2.04 ERA.

This year, he is 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA in 33 appearances and has recorded 19 saves. The Cardinals chose to hold onto Helsley in the offseason, but they still have a chance to capitalize on his value at the deadline.

St. Louis could restock its farm system with more young pitching for the future and set themselves up well for 2026 and beyond. Helsley is a free agent at the end of the year, and chances of him returning to St. Louis are slim.

It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals will finally pick a lane at the deadline.

More MLB: Dodgers predicted to acquire two-time All-Star in blockbuster deal with Cardinals