The St. Louis Cardinals are just 1 1/2 games out in the National League Wild Card race and 5 1/2 back in the NL Central. However, it appears that they may be coming back down to earth just in time for the trade deadline.
They have lost back-to-back series and are in danger of losing their third consecutive series on Thursday as they take on the Washington Nationals. They have plenty of potential trade chips.
Their biggest trade chips are relievers Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton and Steven Matz. All could bring back solid returns if St. Louis sells.
Jeff Passan of ESPN listed an ideal trade fit for each contending team. Helsley was listed as an ideal candidate for the Boston Red Sox.
"Red Sox relievers walk too many hitters and don't strike out enough. Take away Aroldis Chapman -- the best reliever in the AL this season -- and the Red Sox have a middle-of-the-pack bullpen. Getting Helsley from St. Louis would give Boston arguably the top setup-closer combination in baseball and go a long way toward supporting a rotation that has been among the game's best over the past month," Passan wrote.
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Helsley saved 49 games last year, setting a Cardinals franchise record. His 2.04 ERA also helped him win the NL Reliever of the Year award.
This year, Helsley hasn't been quite as dominant, but he has still been effective. The two-time All-Star is 3-0 with a 3.19 ERA in 31 appearances and has racked up 18 saves.
If the Cardinals sell, Helsley is likely their top trade chip, as he can bring back a haul of prospects. Boston has a strong farm system, and Cardinals executive Chaim Bloom is largely responsible for the construction of Boston's pipeline.
St. Louis has one last chance to capitalize on Helsley's value at the trade deadline. They held onto him in the offseason, missing a chance to land prospects before the 2025 season.
We'll see which direction the Cardinals decide to go.
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