The St. Louis Cardinals are getting some terrible news. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, St. Louis is apparently seeking to trade closer Ryan Helsley, but the reliever’s recent performances could be harming his trade worth.
“After saving a league-high 49 games the previous season, he has only four saves in six opportunities with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP,” Nightengale wrote. “The Cardinals were hoping that hanging onto Helsley the first half of the season would enhance his trade value.”
Helsley gave up an earned run on May 2 against the New York Mets, bringing his season-long ERA to 4.09. His WHIP is 1.55.
As the Cardinals enter Sunday, they are looking for solutions in the midst of a 14-19 season. In their previous ten games, St. Louis has a 5-5 record.
Cardinals are looking for answers at pitcher
Helsley has undoubtedly had a difficult season thus far for St. Louis. He has given up five earned runs in 11 games. Helsley made 65 appearances last season and gave up just 15 earned runs.
The pitcher for the Cardinals is not accustomed to having trouble maintaining control. In 2022 and 2024, Helsley was selected as an All-Star twice. With 49 saves the previous season, he was also the Major League Baseball saves leader.
Because of such outstanding achievements, Helsley was also chosen as the National League Reliever of the Year for the previous season.
Cardinals supporters are hopeful the closer can find his rhythm again. In an effort to establish a reliable combo, St. Louis is experimenting a lot with its bullpen and rotation. Michael McGreevy, a prized prospect from Triple-A Memphis, was recently brought up by the Cardinals to assist their pitching staff.
It’s been a tough year so far in St. Louis. The Cardinals are struggling to get outs, and that’s a big reason why they are next-to-last in the National League Central. The Redbirds had just four wins away from home in 2025.
St. Louis is playing a doubleheader against the Mets on Sunday.
