The One Player the St. Louis Cardinals Should Trade Before the 2025 Deadline
As the 2025 MLB season nears its midpoint, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a familiar situation: in contention but with pressing questions about the future makeup of their roster. Sporting a 26-20 record and trailing the division-leading Chicago Cubs by just one game, the team is surpassing expectations thanks to a strong showing from veterans like Miles Mikolas and a breakout from their young core. But under the surface, a key decision looms—one that could shape the franchise’s long-term direction.
Why Ryan Helsley Should Be Traded
If the Cardinals are going to deal one major piece before the trade deadline, it should be closer Ryan Helsley. Coming off a historic 2024 season—arguably the best ever by a St. Louis reliever—Helsley’s value is sky-high. But with his free agency approaching and a pipeline full of promising young arms, now is the time to capitalize on his market value.
At 30, Helsley remains a dominant force in the bullpen, but with the Cardinals signaling a shift under new baseball operations leader Chaim Bloom, the franchise is clearly leaning into youth. Emerging stars like Masyn Winn, Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, Victor Scott II, and Ivan Herrera represent the foundation of the next competitive Cardinals team. Trading a top reliever like Helsley—while tough—fits a strategy of sustainable roster-building.
There are three main reasons why this move makes sense:
- Elite Relievers Command High Trade Value
Contenders aiming for a deep playoff run always need bullpen help, and Helsley’s mix of power, experience, and recent dominance makes him one of the most desirable options. - In-House Bullpen Depth
St. Louis has other reliable arms like Phil Maton, JoJo Romero, and John King who can shoulder late-inning responsibilities. Moreover, talented pitching prospects—Tink Hence, Michael McGreevy, Quinn Mathews, and Cooper Hjerpe—are either MLB-ready or close behind. - Impending Free Agency
With Helsley’s contract nearing expiration, the Cardinals risk losing him for a minimal return if he leaves in free agency. Trading him now ensures the team gets meaningful assets in return.
A Bold Trade Proposal: Dodgers and Cardinals
One ideal partner for a Helsley deal is the Los Angeles Dodgers, a perennial contender that’s constantly searching for bullpen upgrades and has the farm system depth to make a deal happen.
Proposed Trade Package:
- Cardinals Receive:
- RHP Nick Frasso (Dodgers’ No. 5 prospect)
- OF Josue De Paula (Dodgers’ No. 7 prospect)
- RHP Michael Grove (MLB-ready depth)
- Dodgers Receive:
- RHP Ryan Helsley
Frasso brings high-octane stuff and mid-rotation potential by 2026. De Paula is an advanced hitter with strong on-base skills and developing power—exactly the kind of talent that fits into the Cardinals’ evolving young core. Grove provides immediate rotation or bullpen support, easing the loss of Helsley.
For L.A., adding Helsley gives them a dependable closer for October—an area they’ve struggled with in recent seasons. For St. Louis, it means a strategic retool without punting on 2025.
Looking Ahead for St. Louis
Losing a closer of Helsley’s caliber isn’t easy, but the Cardinals are better prepared than most to weather such a move. They have depth in the bullpen and a wave of young pitchers ready to step in. JoJo Romero and Phil Maton could share ninth-inning duties, while Ryan Fernandez and others offer situational flexibility.
Most importantly, this isn’t about selling off a season. It’s about maximizing value now to avoid long-term setbacks. By trading Helsley at his peak, the Cardinals can add top-tier prospects, stay competitive in the present, and invest in the talent that will lead the next phase of their success.
Ultimately, moving Helsley reflects a calculated shift, not a surrender. It’s the kind of forward-thinking move that could keep the Cardinals in the playoff conversation—both this year and beyond.
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