The St. Louis Cardinals may undergo significant changes heading into the 2025 season.
After missing the playoffs for two consecutive years, the team is focusing on trading valuable assets. Former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt has already been moved, and there’s speculation that eight-time All-Star third baseman could be next.
Trading the top star poses a challenge, as the 33-year-old is still owed $74 million over the next three years of his contract. Additionally, his performance has declined, with a drop in defensive metrics and his lowest full-season home run total and OPS since his rookie year.
Meanwhile, All-Star closer could fetch the highest return in a trade. However, the Cardinals may opt to keep him on the roster.
St. Louis Cardinals ‘open minded’ to trading Ryan Helsley, but more likely to hold onto him
While the Cardinals aren’t heading into a full rebuild, trading Ryan Helsley—projected to earn $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration—could bring in top prospects or MLB-ready talent.
The two-time All-Star had a dominant 2024 season, leading MLB with 49 saves and pacing the National League with 62 games finished. He recorded a 2.06 ERA, struck out 79 batters over 66⅓ innings, allowed only three home runs, and issued 23 walks. Helsley’s stellar performance earned him the Trevor Hoffman Award as the NL’s top closer.
“Players traded midseason are not eligible for qualifying offers,” notes Ken Rosenthal. “This makes the potential for an acquiring team to issue Helsley a QO a factor that could allow the Cardinals to demand more for him now than at the trade deadline. However, given the consistent demand for relievers, the return at the deadline might still match what they could get this offseason—assuming Helsley stays healthy.”
Despite the speculation, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak has suggested Helsley isn’t going anywhere, at least for now. “It’s something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have him be part of our organization,” Mozeliak said to Rosenthal.
The Cardinals are also reportedly willing to explore trading starter Steven Matz, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $44 million deal. However, Matz’s injury history over the past three seasons could complicate finding a trade partner.
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