The Cardinals are facing a tough decision regarding the future of their star closer, Ryan Helsley. Despite Helsley’s incredible performance and record-breaking season, the team is considering trading him to rebuild and focus on their young core.
With several key players like Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas potentially on the trading block as well, the Cardinals are looking to trim payroll and acquire top prospects. However, the decision to trade Helsley, who is in the prime of his career and coming off a stellar season, is not an easy one.
Being one of the best closers in baseball, Helsley could attract interest from championship-contending teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Braves. His team-friendly contract and impressive stats make him a valuable asset on the trade market.
On the other hand, if the Cardinals decide to keep Helsley, they will need to be prepared to offer him a lucrative contract extension next year. The debate over paying top dollar for a closer, who only pitches one inning in about 40 percent of games, is ongoing in baseball circles.
While having a reliable closer like Helsley can be crucial for playoff-bound teams, recent struggles of high-priced closers like Josh Hader and Edwin Díaz raise questions about the value of investing heavily in the position. Some teams have found success with lower-paid relievers, showing that effective late-inning relief can be achieved at a fraction of the cost.
As the Cardinals weigh their options and consider the long-term implications of trading Helsley, they will need to balance the desire to compete now with the need to build for the future. The decision they make regarding Helsley’s future could have far-reaching consequences for the team’s success in the seasons to come.
