Ryan Helsley: Expiring Tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals

Ryan Helsley, the standout closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, recently shared his expectations regarding a trade before the upcoming deadline. After years of speculation, the 31-year-old believes the probability of a trade is higher than ever.

The Trade Buzz

In an interview with The Athletic, Helsley expressed his outlook succinctly:

“I would say it’s 90 percent I go, 10 percent I stay.”

This candor reflects not only his personal feelings but also the state of the Cardinals, who are struggling to reclaim a strong position in the National League. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, it appears management might consider significant roster changes.

Performance Highlights

Helsley has established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. His statistics bolster his trade potential:

• ERA Since 2022: 2.04 (second-best among relievers with over 200 innings)
• Strikeout Percentage: 32.8% (fifth-best in the league)
• Current Season Stats:
  • ERA: 3.09
  • Saves: 20
  • Strikeouts: 39 in 35 innings

As he prepares for free agency this winter, the demand for Helsley has never been higher.

Cardinals’ Current Standing

The Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads, sitting at a record of 53-51. They are:

• 9 Games Back in the NL Central
• 2.5 Games Back in the wild-card race

Helsley acknowledged the front office’s dilemma:

“Do you sell, where this is a two- or three-year rebuild? Or do you just solely take this as a rebuild year?”

On the Future

Despite his anticipation about a potential trade, Helsley remains committed to the franchise that drafted him.

“I want to stay here. I want to help us win here, with the Cardinals.”

This statement underscores his loyalty and determination to contribute to the team’s success, should he remain a Cardinal.

Conclusion

While Ryan Helsley’s time in St. Louis may be winding down, his impact on the field and within the organization is undeniable. Whether he is traded or stays, his future in Major League Baseball looks promising, with potential new opportunities on the horizon. As fans and analysts alike await decisions from the front office, all eyes are on Helsley as the trade deadline approaches.

For more on the latest trades in Major League Baseball, visit ESPN’s MLB Section.