‘It’s over’ Cardinals confirm to part-ways with $81 million star

The St. Louis Cardinals should seriously consider trading their closer.

With his contract set to expire after this season and a projected free agency value of \$81 million (according to Spotrac), it’s unlikely the team will be able to afford to keep him. Rather than losing him for nothing, the Cardinals could take advantage of his high trade value and aim to acquire a strong package of prospects in exchange for the remainder of the season.

Plenty of teams would be interested in adding a proven closer like Helsley. In fact, Zach Kaplan of Athlon Sports recently proposed that the Cardinals might deal him to the New York Yankees in light of Luke Weaver’s recent injury.

“For quite some time now, the Yankees have been linked to two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals. Helsley has consistently made headlines for his sizzling fastball that has eclipsed 104 miles per hour, and notched 49 saves in 2024, a club record,” Kaplan wrote. “Despite being the closer for the surprisingly competitive Cardinals, Helsley could be made available due to his upcoming free agency.

“St. Louis clearly values their star, who has pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA in four straight seasons, but his price tag could ultimately prove too costly. The Yankees have the kind of prospect haul to acquire Helsley, who wouldn’t be as expensive as the Athletics’ Mason Miller or Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara, for example.”

The Yankees have long been seen as a logical landing spot for Ryan Helsley, and recent developments have only strengthened that case. With Devin Williams experiencing an up-and-down season and Luke Weaver sidelined for at least a month, New York’s need for bullpen help is more urgent than ever.

To acquire Helsley, the Yankees might have to offer a top outfield prospect like Spencer Jones or Everson Pereira as the centerpiece of a deal. While the price would be steep, bringing in a dominant closer like Helsley could significantly boost their chances of making a deep postseason run—and possibly winning it all in October.