The St. Louis Cardinals are in a precarious position. How they play over the next several weeks will determine how they approach the trade deadline.
They are only 1 1/2 games back of the third National League Wild Card spot, but are now 6 1/2 back in the NL Central. Things may be trending downwards for St. Louis.
If they continue to slide, they will likely be sellers at the deadline. One piece that could be moved is All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report proposed the idea of the New York Yankees trading for Sonny Gray, but that if St. Louis continues to slide, Helsley should be on their radar as well.
"If already calling about Gray, they might as well ask about Nolan Arenado, Phil Maton and Ryan Helsley while they're at it, as those are the other problem areas the Yankees might need to address," Miller wrote.
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Helsley could bring back a major haul for St. Louis. Unfortunately, the Yankees don't have a lot of top prospects, but they may be willing to part with what they do have to land the All-Star closer.
The 30-year-old right-hander saved 49 games last season, setting a franchise record and later being named the NL Reliever of the Year.
He is 3-0 this season with 17 saves in 30 appearances. He hasn't quite been his dominant self, as he owns a 3.30 ERA as opposed to his 2.04 mark in 2024. He also has blown five saves, more than he blew all of last season.
Still, he is an elite closer with velocity and swing-and-miss capability. St. Louis would be wise to capitalize on his value while they still can, as he likely will not be back in 2026.
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