Just In: Nolan Arenado final decision has Cardinals making one brutal offseason blunder

Following a disappointing 2024 season in which the St. Louis Cardinals missed the playoffs, the anticipated roster shake-up began. The team declined the contract options for Lance Lynn, Keynan Middleton, and Kyle Gibson. A trade sending Nolan Arenado to the Astros was reportedly on the table, but Arenado invoked his no-trade clause to block the move.

Since then, Paul Goldschmidt has departed for the Yankees, and John Mozeliak has explored trade possibilities for Erick Fedde and Steven Matz. However, Mozeliak’s primary focus remains on finding a trade partner for Arenado. While he recently rejected a Yankees offer for the star third baseman, he continues to entertain interest from other teams. Despite the apparent rebuilding effort, the Cardinals are holding on to a key player with just one year left on his contract.

According to John Gambadoro, Ryan Helsley is expected to remain with the Cardinals for now.

Gambadoro addressed trade speculation involving the Diamondbacks, emphasizing that Helsley is one of the premier relievers in the game. In 2024, Helsley led MLB with 49 saves and finished the season with an impressive 2.04 ERA.

Given the Cardinals’ apparent downsizing, holding onto Helsley through his final year before free agency seems illogical. St. Louis ended the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, tied with the Cubs for second in the NL Central and six games out of the Wild Card. With key players like Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Lance Lynn, and Erick Fedde likely departing, the team doesn’t appear poised to contend in 2025.

Helsley’s trade value remains high, even with just one year left on his contract. For a team entering a “reset” phase, moving him could yield valuable assets for the future. However, the Cardinals may choose to wait. If they unexpectedly find themselves in contention by the trade deadline (though unlikely), Helsley could remain a Cardinal. Otherwise, they might capitalize on heightened demand from contenders seeking an elite closer midseason. For now, it seems Helsley will stay put this offseason.