Before this season’s trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals will probably try to move their contracts that are about to expire. Closer Ryan Helsley is the obvious top candidate they might suggest. Helsley’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and according to Spotrac, he will sign a free agent contract worth $81 million. The Cardinals are unlikely to re-sign him at that price, so selling him would be the smartest course of action.
Jim Bowden of the Athletic recently claimed that the Cardinals would make a hefty trade offer to get Helsley from the Philadelphia Phillies. This is the whole transaction that Bowden recommended: The Philadelphia Phillies are given: RHP Helsley, Ryan Received by the St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Abel, Mick
“Helsley, an impending free-agent, is not expected to re-sign with the Cardinals, who should deal him between now and the trade deadline,” Bowden stated. “Dombrowski and John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations for the Cardinals, have a close relationship that dates back decades and make them two of the front office officials with the longest tenures. What about a straight-up swap of Helsley for Abel?
Although this appears like a good offer, the Phillies could have to make further concessions to acquire the top closer because relievers were in such high demand last season. Helsley would help a highly good Phillies club by filling a huge gap in the closer position. If Philadelphia is to contend with the New York Mets in the National League East, it must have a full squad.
Helsley is not worth keeping for the Cardinals. They should accept the bargain if Mick Abel is the best they can offer him. This season, Abel has showed a great deal of promise. In actuality, stealing Helsley from St. Louis would probably require the Phillies to give up another top-30 talent.
