The St. Louis Cardinals have been the subject of numerous trade rumors throughout the offseason.
Nearly every veteran on the roster has been linked to potential trades in some form, though nothing significant has materialized yet. With just over a month remaining until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in February, the team has been relatively quiet.
Star third baseman Nolan Arenado has been the most frequently mentioned player in trade talks, with closer Ryan Helsley also drawing attention. Helsley, a two-time All-Star and one of the league’s top closers, is entering the final year of his contract before hitting free agency.
Could the Cardinals part ways with Helsley this offseason? FanSided’s Josh Jacobs doesn’t think so.
“Ryan Helsley is unlikely to be traded this offseason, and with the team aiming to attract fans in 2025, I doubt they’ll move him unless they’re out of playoff contention by July,” Jacobs stated. “While it wouldn’t surprise me if they traded him at the deadline in 2025 while still in the playoff hunt, it doesn’t appear to be the direction they are considering right now.”
Jacobs added, “They could have traded him last season and chose not to, so there’s a strong possibility they keep him this year and let him walk in free agency. If Helsley stays healthy and performs well, the Cardinals could extend him a qualifying offer, gaining a draft pick when he signs with another team.”
It would be encouraging if the Cardinals retain him through the offseason and make a serious push for the 2025 season.
Leave a Reply