The St. Louis Cardinals have some tough decisions to make at the trade deadline. They have not decided whether they will be buyers or sellers.
At 49-43, they are just 5 1/2 games back in the National League Central and 1 1/2 back in the Wild Card race, but it's clear that they're roster can't compete with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.
They have several pieces that could be traded at the deadline if they sell. Their biggest potential trade piece is two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman and Chad Jennings of The Athletic listed their Top 40 trade candidates. Helsley was on the list, and the Texas Rangers were listed as a possible suitor.
"St. Louis said recently it doesn’t intend to deal from its bullpen, but it will re-assess throughout July. A closer who’s received down-ballot Cy Young votes in two of the last three seasons, Helsley hasn’t been as sharp in 2025, with five blown saves. Unlike some other Cardinals, he’d be a pure rental."
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Helsley set a franchise record with 49 saves last year and posted a 2.04 ERA. That was enough for him to be named the NL Reliever of the Year.
This year, the 30-year-old right-hander is 3-0 with a 3.19 ERA in 31 appearances and has recorded 18 saves. This trade deadline represents the last opportunity for the Cardinals to capitalize on his value.
They failed to trade him in the offseason, but if they trade him at the deadline, they can still bring back a haul of prospects in exchange.
The Rangers do not have a true closer in their mix, so it would make sense for them to target Helsley. The right-hander is a free agent at the end of the season and likely won't be back in St. Louis in 2026.
The Cardinals also need to restock their farm system with more prospects. It will be interesting to see if they do try to trade Helsley.
More MLB: Texas Rangers Face Pivotal Deadline Decisions as July 31st Approaches