The trade market for Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals’ hard-throwing closer, has proven disappointing, as teams have shown little interest in acquiring the right-hander despite his potential. Helsley, who made his MLB debut in 2019, quickly became one of the most dominant relievers in the league, earning a spot as the Cardinals’ closer in 2022. His electric fastball and devastating slider made him a standout, and he earned an All-Star selection that year.
However, Helsley’s trade value has been significantly impacted by a series of injuries and inconsistency over the past few seasons. Most notably, he struggled with a forearm injury that limited his appearances during 2023, leading to concerns about his long-term durability. While he has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, his inability to stay on the field has raised red flags among potential suitors. With the growing emphasis on bullpen depth and the reliance on pitchers who can handle high-leverage situations, teams are understandably hesitant to take a chance on a closer with an injury history.
Moreover, the Cardinals’ asking price for Helsley might also be too high, further stalling trade talks. St. Louis is in a rebuilding phase and seeks young talent or major-league-ready pieces in return, but few teams are willing to part with high-quality assets for a closer who may not be able to reliably contribute for an entire season.
As a result, the trade market for Ryan Helsley has become a source of frustration for the Cardinals, who are in need of roster reinforcements. Until Helsley can prove his health and regain his dominance on the mound, his value in the trade market is likely to remain limited, leaving the Cardinals with little leverage.
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