The St. Louis Cardinals were an afterthought at the start of May, falling to 14-19 on the year. Since then, they have won 19 of their last 27 games and are tied for the third National League Wild Card spot.
Instead of selling, like many predicted would happen, they may end up being buyers or at least stand pat.
Their recent hot stretch hasn't stopped trade speculation, however. All-Star closer Ryan Helsley could bring back a solid return at the deadline.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic predicts that Helsley could shape the trade market this summer.
"Helsley has been an obvious trade candidate since Opening Day. He’s an All-Star closer approaching free agency, and the Cardinals came into the season openly in rebuild mode. The last thing a rebuilding team needs is a walk-year closer," Jennings wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Helsley saved 49 games last season, a Cardinals franchise record. That was enough for the two-time All-Star to win National League Reliever of the Year honors.
While the Cardinals are in contention, trading Helsley may not be the worst idea, as they can restock their farm system with pitching prospects, which are needed thanks to all of their injuries.
But if the Cardinals remain in contention, a case could be made that it's better to hold onto him. The only certain scenario in which he's traded is if they fall out of contention.
Helsley is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 21 appearances this year and has saved 13 games, so he could still bring back a haul.
He's also in the final year of his contract and likely won't return to St. Louis in 2026.
We'll see what the Cardinals are thinking at the deadline.
More MLB: MLB writer throws cold water on Red Sox-Cardinals Jarren Duran trade idea