Breaking: Cardinals Closing In On Move To Ship Out All-Star Raising Concerns Over Injury Issues
After finishing last in the MLB trade market a year ago, the St. Louis Cardinals are already off to a dismal start this season. It looks like they will be sellers in the trade market. A breaking story claims that the first move might be the trade of former All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
The Redbirds, who had a 15–17 record as of May 7, are stuck in the bottom half of the NL Central and will have battle injuries from the start of 2024. This comes after a 2023 result of 71-91 that left team president John Mozeliak and manager Oliver Marmol perplexed.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, the Cards are said to be shopping for their bullpen backstopper as they consider their alternatives moving forward.
Is Ryan Helsley on the Move?
The group will probably be in rebuilding mode as they keep dropping out of the running. The Cards may trade Helsley for another player in addition to the team’s record.
“We now have more insight into how the St. Louis Cardinals will approach it as the trade deadline draws nearer and nearer,” Denton wrote. “RHP Ryan Helsley’s history of arm injuries and his lingering dissatisfaction over losing his arbitration case are starting to worry the club. The team will probably try to trade the former All-Star in the upcoming days or offseason.”
Helsley was selected by St. Louis in the fifth round of the MLB Draft in 2015. After making his debut in 2019, he became the team’s closer. Over his career, he has a record of 23–12, a 2.72 ERA, and 46 saves in more than five seasons. The fireballer was selected as a National League All-Star in 2022 after posting a 9-1 record, 1.25 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and 19 saves.
He has increased his value thus far this season, even with the Cardinals having a difficult start. In 18 innings, Helsley has struck out 19 batters with a 1.50 ERA, 11 saves, and a 1.50 ERA. Given his career numbers and track record of success, he would be seen as an asset in the bullpen of a winning club.
Cardinals Likely To Make More Moves Ahead
With some big contracts coming up and plenty of young prospects waiting in the wings, Helsley won’t be the only established veteran the team will be taking phone calls about.
Right-handed starters Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn both inked one-year contracts with a team option, so both may serve as a patchwork piece of pitching for a playoff contender despite having only signed this offseason.
But the biggest name being floated as a possible trade bait is Paul Goldschmidt, the hard hitting center for the Cards and the 2022 NL MVP Award winner.Of all the players on the team, the first baseman would be worth the most as he is in his free agent season. The Redbirds might seal a deal instead of risking him leaving without giving them anything in return. particularly if a competitor is presenting a clenched hand full of prospects.
Goldschmidt, 36, is struggling early in 2024, hitting only .203 with two home runs and 11 RBI through May 6. However, he’s an established, consistent batter who has posted a .291 average in his. As a four-time gold glover on defense, it makes him even more enticing to a World Series contender.
