St. Louis Cardinals' star Ryan Helsley has had his name in trade rumors for the last two seasons. The Cardinals entered 2025 intending to be a contender, but are also building a roster for the long term. This team could make multiple moves that see improvement while also trading away veteran players.

The Athletic's newest MLB trade deadline piece reassures that the Cardinals have some tough decisions to make.

“The Cardinals are building for the long-term — and that won’t change at the trade deadline. That doesn’t mean they won’t buy if they can land the right starting pitcher without giving up any significant pieces of their future; they will. However, they’ll also be open to selling with relievers Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz all impending free agents. Helsley has the most trade value, and the Mets and Phillies could get into a bidding war if St. Louis decides to trade him.”

Helsley has been with the Red Birds since 2019. He has a career ERA of 2.69. It will. be very difficult to replace him, but there are many teams who would pay top dollar for one of the best closers in the game. The Mets and Phillies desperately need bullpen help as two of the two teams in the NL. If the Cardinals are selling, the package they could get back for Helsley could be huge.

St. Louis has had superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado surface in trade rumors as well. The future Hall of Famer has been in St. Louis since 2021, when he was traded to the Cardinals from the Colorado Rockies. He won't be a free agent until 2028, so if the team believes they are contenders, just 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot in the NL, then they should seriously consider holding on to him.

“The Cardinals could still move Nolan Arenado and be willing to pay down his contract; a team like the Tigers makes a lot of sense in that scenario because St. Louis could include a reliever in the deal as well. (Arenado has a full no-trade clause he’d have to waive.) The Cardinals could also use a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Expect them to toe the line between buying and selling depending on what moves are available to them.”

St. Louis is taking on the Rockies in just under two hours.

More MLB News
New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (76) talks with shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) and catcher J.C. Escarra (79) on the mound during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone identifies Cam Schlittler’s quality that blows him awayJosh Davis ·
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) makes a throwing error against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe’s latest error has fans fumingRexwell Villas ·
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) smiles before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field.
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong makes child’s dream come true at lemonade standAlex House ·
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Rich Hill (35) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field.
Royals’ Rich Hill officially ties MLB history with start for Kansas CityJosh Davis ·
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) at bat in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Mets’ Francisco Lindor hitless streak hits career lowChristopher Hennessy ·
Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) throws to the plate during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Yankees’ perfect Mason Miller trade offer to AthleticsZachary Howell ·