The St. Louis Cardinals are outperforming their expectations. What was expected to be more of a transition year has become one in which they are right in the thick of the race.
St. Louis is just 2 1/2 games out in the National League Central and currently holds the final Wild Card spot.
Still, what they'll do at the trade deadline is uncertain. They can justify buying, or they could sell off a piece of two. They could also do a little of both.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports listed All-Star closer Ryan Helsley as a top trade candidate.
"Again, it's to be determined if the Cardinals find themselves in a position where selling makes sense. Helsley, an impending free agent, would be an obvious candidate to go should their fortune change. He's not had his usual dominant season to date: he's allowed as many home runs this season as he did in the previous two combined, and both his strikeout and walk rates have mozied the wrong direction. Even so, Helsley remains a high-octane, high-leverage arm with ample endgame experience," Anderson wrote.
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Helsley is 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA and 16 saves in 29 appearances this year. Last year, he was the NL Reliever of the Year and saved 49 games, setting a Cardinals franchise record.
Because of this, St. Louis can still bring back a solid return for the two-time All-Star, and they have the bullpen depth to withstand this potential loss.
The Cardinals held onto Helsley in the offseason, missing a chance to capitalize on his value while it was at an all-time high. But even if St. Louis remains in contention, this is not out of the realm of possibility.
Helsley likely will not be back in 2026, so it makes sense to capitalize while they still can, even if they are contending.
It will be interesting to see how the Cardinals operate at this year's deadline.
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