Key Takeaways:
– The St. Louis Cardinals, who are off to a disappointing start this year, are likely to be sellers on the MLB trade market.
– Former All-Star Ryan Helsley could be the first player to be shipped out due to ongoing concerns about his arm injury history and dissatisfaction over his arbitration loss.
– Other names mentioned for potential trade include Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Cardinals’ heavy hitter, Paul Goldschmidt.
– Ongoing negotiations and deals will likely lead to a significant restructuring of the team.
With the MLB trade deadline drawing closer, it seems the St. Louis Cardinals, who had a dispiriting start this season, are preparing to clear the decks. One potential departure is former All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, a key figure around whom swirling trade rumors have intensified.
Cracking the Cardinals’ Strategy
Currently languishing near the bottom of the NL Central with a 15-20 record as of May 7, the Cardinals have been struggling with on-field setbacks and injuries. This is a stark contrast to their 71-91 finish in 2023, a performance that’s left the manager Oliver Marmol and the team president John Mozeliak pondering tough decisions for the franchise’s future.
As the Cardinals evaluate their prospects, MLB.com’s John Denton suggests Helsley, the team’s bullpen talisman, might be one of the first to go.
Ryan Helsley’s Possible Exit
Based on Denton’s report, the Cardinals may be keen on trading Helsley. A combination of factors, including the club’s poor performance, Helsley’s recurrent arm injuries, and his discontent over losing his arbitration case, have put him in the trade crosshairs.
Drafted by the Cardinals in the 2015 MLB Draft, Helsley made his debut four years later and soon became the team’s closer. The hardthrower, who has a career record of 23-12, posted an impressive 9-1 mark with a 1.25 ERA and 19 saves in 2022, earning him a spot in the National League All-Stars. Despite the Cardinals’ dismal start this year, Helsley has performed strongly, upping his market value with a 1.50 ERA, 11 saves, and 19 strikeouts in 18 innings.
Other Cardinals on the Trading Block
But Helsley is not the only St. Louis veteran who could be on the move. Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson, both of whom newly signed one-year deals with the Cardinals this offseason, are also under consideration for trade. Either could prove a valuable addition as temporary pitching assets for teams aiming for the playoffs.
The biggest trading talk, however, is centered around the Cardinals’ star first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt. The 2022 NL MVP Award winner could fetch significant value in a trade owing to his free-agent status. Because of the risk of losing him to free agency with no return, the Cardinals might make a deal, especially if they get an offer with several promising prospects.
Despite a shaky start in 2024, Goldschmidt, a .291 career hitter and four-time gold glove winner, would be a prized asset for any World Series hopeful. The Cardinals, therefore, could have a lot to gain – and reshape their future – by making a smart trade.
The next few weeks will unveil how the Cardinals navigate this tricky terrain and whether these big moves will pay off in building a more competitive team. For now, all eyes are on the bullpen – and Ryan Helsley.