The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to shop players on expiring contracts ahead of this season’s trade deadline, with closer Ryan Helsley standing out as their most valuable trade asset. Helsley’s contract is up at the end of the season, and Spotrac estimates he could land an $81 million deal in free agency — a figure the Cardinals are unlikely to match. As a result, trading him now appears to be the team’s best course of action.
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently proposed a potential deal that would send Helsley to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for pitching prospect Mick Abel:
Proposed Trade:
Phillies receive: RHP Ryan Helsley
Cardinals receive: RHP Mick Abel
“Helsley, set to become a free agent, isn’t expected to re-sign with the Cardinals,” Bowden wrote. “Given the long-standing professional relationship between Phillies president Dave Dombrowski and Cardinals executive John Mozeliak, a straight swap of Helsley for Abel makes sense.”
While this trade looks fair on paper, considering how valuable relievers were on last year’s market, the Phillies may need to offer more than just Abel. Helsley would immediately address Philadelphia’s need for a reliable closer, which could be crucial in their battle with the Mets for the NL East title.
If Abel is the top offer, the Cardinals should seriously consider accepting it — especially since Abel has shown strong potential this season. Still, it’s likely Philadelphia would have to include another top-30 prospect to finalize a deal for Helsley.
