The St. Louis Cardinals, once a powerhouse in the playoffs, are now at a turning point.
Gone are the days when Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina were the faces of their playoff runs.
Now, instead of aiming for the playoffs, they’re focused on developing young talent and cutting costs.
That could mean parting ways with their star closer, Ryan Helsley, in a blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
And why would the Phillies want Helsley?
Well, let’s just say they’re in a different boat.
The Phillies haven’t tasted a World Series victory since 2008, and they’re hungry for it.
After a veteran-heavy run this season, they’re looking for the final pieces to make a serious push for the championship next year.
A strong bullpen can make or break a team’s playoff hopes, and right now, they’ve got a gap in the closer role that Helsley could fill perfectly.
So, what’s the scoop on Helsley?
Well, it’s no surprise that he has been lights-out.
He led the league with 49 saves this season, which means he got the job done when it came down to crunch time.
Plus, he racked up a 7-4 record, a sharp 2.04 ERA, and struck out 79 batters while walking only 23.
And that’s not all—opponents barely managed to hit him off, batting just .210, and his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) sat at a tidy 1.10 over 66 1/3 innings.
Those numbers make him one of the top closers in baseball right now, and the market knows it.
Experts estimate his next contract could be worth around $80 million over six years, which is around $13 million per season.
For the Cardinals, though, paying that kind of money doesn’t fit their current strategy.
They’re looking to save money this offseason, so trading Helsley could make sense for them.
He’s expected to earn about $6.9 million in his final year of arbitration next season.
And trading him now would help the Cardinals save some cash and maybe bring in a promising young player in return—like outfielder Justin Crawford, a rising star in the Phillies’ farm system.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Phillies insiders are already buzzing about a possible move for Helsley.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly and Kerry Miller have pointed out that the Phillies have been searching for a dependable closer for a while now.
If they don’t win the World Series this year, they’ll need to rethink their bullpen strategy before the 2025 season.
With Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman potentially leaving in free agency, they have a hole to fill.
And that’s where Helsley could come in.
This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen a deal like this play out.
Just look at when the Minnesota Twins picked up Jorge Polanco’s option just to trade him a few months later.
It’s these kinds of moves that can make or break a team’s season, and both the Phillies and Cardinals know that well.
If the Phillies want to make a splash, grabbing Helsley could be just what they need to solidify their bullpen and push for that elusive championship.
But it’s not just about what the Phillies want.
Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, has said that any trade involving Helsley would have to be a mutual decision.
That means Helsley himself would need to agree to a move.
At 30 years old, he might be ready for a change of scenery, especially if it means playing for a team that’s gunning for a World Series title.
It could be a win-win for him—more money, more playoff chances, and a chance to be the hero in Philadelphia.
For the Phillies, adding Helsley to their bullpen would be a huge boost.
Imagine having a guy who can come in during those nail-biting ninth innings and lock down the win.
It could be just what the team needs to get over the hump and finally bring a championship back to Philly.
Plus, with a veteran roster, they know their window to win is right now.
They can’t afford to wait around and hope things work out—they need proven talent, and Helsley fits the bill.
On the other hand, the Cardinals would benefit from freeing up some money and focusing on young talent, which is what they’ve been aiming for lately.
Trading Helsley might be a tough pill to swallow for St. Louis fans, especially after such a strong season, but it could help set the team up for a brighter future.
The Cardinals have had their fair share of struggles recently, and a fresh approach might be what they need to turn things around.
So, what’s next?
It’s all about the negotiations now.
Both sides have something to gain, and it’ll come down to whether they can find a deal that works for everyone.
The Phillies are looking for that missing piece to make a championship run, and the Cardinals are looking for a way to rebuild and cut costs.
If they can come together, this trade could change the game for both teams.
So, this potential deal is one to watch as the offseason unfolds. And we’ll finally get answers to the big questions we’re all asking:
Will Ryan Helsley trade his Cardinals red for Phillies pinstripes?
Could this move finally push the Phillies over the top in their chase for a World Series title?
Or will the Cardinals hold onto their star closer and look for another way to cut costs?
Only time will tell, but it’s sure to be an exciting ride for baseball fans.
