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

The St. Louis Cardinals are quickly falling out of contention. They are 8 1/2 games back in the National League Central behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

They are only 3 1/2 back in the Wild Card race, but have two teams in front of them for just the final spot. At 52-49 on the season and 5-11 in their last 16 games, they are trending towards selling at the trade deadline.

They have several players on expiring contracts that teams are already showing interest in. Their biggest trade chip is closer Ryan Helsley.

Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports has Helsley as a top trade candidate and listed the Detroit Tigers as a possible landing spot for the Cardinals two-time All-Star.

"There might be some cause for concern with the Cardinals’ closer, but Helsley isn’t the first reliever to go through struggles. And with his track record being what it is, a contender might well believe that a few tweaks and a change of scenery could be just what Helsley needs," Dorsey wrote.

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Helsley is 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 34 appearances and has recorded 19 saves with St. Louis. If they decide to sell and trade Helsley, the Cardinals could bring back a massive haul of top prospects for the All-Star closer.

In all likelihood, St. Louis will be out of contention soon. Their roster doesn't hold a candle to that of the Tigers or other teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Their farm system also needs to be restocked with prospects. Trading Helsley will allow them to do just that and set up future President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom for success.

Other trade candidates include Steven Matz and Phil Maton, but Helsley is by far the Cardinals top trade chip. It will be interesting to see what they can bring back for their closer.

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