After the St. Louis Cardinals dropped a must-win game to the Colorado Rockies, which manager Oli Marmol called the "worst loss of the season," the team's trade deadline plans became clear: they're going to sell.
While the extent of their sale isn't known, there are three players, all relievers, who are expected to be traded. Phil Maton and Steven Matz are intriguing names, but Ryan Helsley is the most prominent name who could be on the move.
Ahead of the trade deadline, and amid the rumors floating about him, Helsley spoke with Katie Woo of The Athletic about being involved in those trade talks. He revealed how he felt, and what he expects his chances of being dealt are.
"It's a little bit different this time. The likelihood is probably as great as it's ever been for me to get traded." Helsley said. "I would say it's 90 percent I go, 10 percent I stay."
Helsley believes there's a 90 percent chance he's traded. That's a very high number, and while the Cardinals could get a solid return for the closer, he is set to hit free agency at the season's end.
That could lower the return, and if the Cardinals don't envision offering him a contract extension or being able to retain him, trading him at the deadline is the best move for the team going forward.
MORE: MLB insider reveals three relievers Cardinals are most likely to trade
While Helsley acknowledged the front office's desire to sell, he still has feelings for the Cardinals. "There are so many different scenarios you can do," Helsley said. "But I want to stay here. I want to help us win here, with the Cardinals."
But, with Helsley's prediction that he has a 90 percent chance of being traded, his wish of staying in St. Louis isn't expected to come true.
This season, in what is shaping up to be his seventh and final year in St. Louis, Helsley has a 2.09 ERA in 35 appearances with 20 saves, 39 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a 1.400 WHIP.
He's allowing more base runners than he has since his 2021 season, before he blossomed into the All-Star closer he was in 2022. But, even though he's been allowing more baserunners this season, he's still been good.
The 31-year-old, two-time All-Star closer will have plenty of suitors in the trade market, and, according to Helsley, he has a 90 percent chance to find a new team by the end of the month.
While he doesn't want to leave St. Louis, he's expected to be on the move with the Cardinals looking to sell following a rough series loss to the Rockies.
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