St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has made a startling prediction about his future, estimating a 90% likelihood he’ll be traded before the July 31 deadline. Despite the Cardinals remaining 2.5 games out of a wild card spot, the All-Star reliever anticipates being moved as the team’s July struggles continue.
Blunt Self-Assessment
Helsley told The Athletic: “I would say it’s 90 percent I go, 10 percent I stay.” The 2024 All-Star joins Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase as one of the most coveted relievers on the market, with contending teams typically seeking bullpen upgrades at the deadline.
| Helsley’s 2024 Stats | Performance | MLB Rank |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | 3.09 | Top 15% |
| Saves | 20 | Top 10 |
| Strikeout Rate | 25.5% | Above Average |
Cardinals’ Dilemma
St. Louis faces a difficult decision as their 6-12 July record contradicts their playoff-contending position. Trading Helsley could:
- Bring prospects to bolster future rosters
- Acquire MLB-ready talent for current push
- Address other roster weaknesses
Market Value Analysis
While Helsley’s numbers (3.09 ERA, 20 saves) show slight regression from his dominant 2023 season (2.04 ERA, 49 saves), his 98+ mph fastball and closing experience make him valuable. The Cardinals could leverage his remaining year of team control to maximize return value.
Helsley’s candid assessment reflects both the realities of baseball’s trade deadline and the Cardinals’ underwhelming performance during a critical stretch of the season.
