MLB writer declares Cardinals All-Star closer's trade stock has risen

The St. Louis Cardinals are not off to a good start in 2025. The team is 10-15 through its first 25 games. 

The bullpen has been the main issue for St. Louis after being their greatest strength in 2024. If they can't right the ship and bounce back into contention, they might end up selling at the trade deadline.

Two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley is their biggest trade chip. He is arguably one of the top closers in Major League Baseball and can eclipse 100 mph with his fastball.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report declared that after another hot start, Helsley's trade stock has likely risen.

"Helsley has mostly been terrific so far, with his only blemish being a nightmare outing in Boston on April 6 that saw him walk four batters. He's otherwise sitting at 98.8 mph with his fastball and has yet to be barreled even once," Rymer wrote.

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Helsley set a Cardinals franchise record last year with 49 saves, and that was enough for him to earn National League Reliever of the Year honors.

He continues to impress when he pitches and has only blown one save this season. The problem is that he has not seen much time on the mound due to the Cardinals tough start.

However, he remains one of the top closers in the league and he can generate a haul from a contending team if the Cardinals do decide to trade him at the deadline.

St. Louis isn't expected to be a contender, so it would make sense for them to shop Helsley at the deadline rather than hold onto him. 

More MLB: Cardinals $260 million All-Star's trade stock rises with hot start