The St. Louis Cardinals entered this season with low expectations, and even though they are within striking distance of a playoff spot, the club is reportedly looking to move their closer, Ryan Helsley, before Thursday’s deadline.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Cardinals have been in talks and are “devoted” to moving Helsley.
Helsley has taken a step back in his production this season but still holds significant value on the trade market as one of the top relievers available.
The right-hander is coming off a record-setting season where he saved 49 games to set the Cardinals’ franchise record while also winning the National League Reliever of the Year award. This season has not been as profound for the Cardinals’ closer, but he has saved 21 games thus far despite a rise in his WHIP and home runs per nine innings.
Teams are calling on the Cardinals closer to see what the cost was, and after the Pittsburgh Pirates are reported to be asking for a top-five prospect for David Bednar, by Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, some of them may shift their primary focus to Helsley.
Although the Cardinals could make a run at the final wild card spot, they are looking to put the team in the hands of Chaim Bloom next year with a clear evaluation of the talent. With Helsley possibly on his way out in free agency, the Cardinals could land something in return if they moved him by Thursday’s deadline.
If the Cardinals make a run after trading Helsley, it could look like a poor decision to move on from the reliever, but it would give Bloom the confidence in his team next season.
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