Last season, the St. Louis Cardinals were determined to compete with their experienced roster. However, after a disappointing regular season, they appear to be shifting toward a full-scale rebuild that has been looming over the franchise for years. To this end, the team has already allowed several key players to enter free agency. Now, they might be looking to trade even more players, with their closer being a top target in the offseason.
This closer had an outstanding 2024 season, leading Major League Baseball with 49 saves, even as the Cardinals failed to reach the postseason. A potential trade partner could be the Philadelphia Phillies, who face the possibility of losing two pitchers in free agency. While they might hope to retain one of them, keeping both seems unlikely.
One proposed trade would send the closer to Philadelphia in exchange for a right-handed pitching prospect and an infielder, both of whom are considered solid prospects. The trade could also involve a current Cardinals player with a problematic contract to help lighten the team’s financial burden. If the Phillies aren’t interested in taking on this contract, the deal could be adjusted by omitting that player and including another top prospect instead.
One of the prospects involved has potential despite a tough previous season, making him a candidate for the Cardinals’ rotation. The other is a young infielder showing promise as a well-rounded player. The Phillies, who had a strong bullpen last season but lacked a star closer, could benefit greatly from acquiring the Cardinals’ closer, making him an ideal addition to enhance their chances in the National League East.
The player in question is Ryan Helsley
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