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Cardinals Closer Ryan helsley Facing Likely Trade Deadline Departure
St. Louis cardinals closer Ryan Helsley anticipates a trade before the deadline, estimating a 90% probability of being moved. “I want to stay here. I want to help us win here, with the Cardinals,” Helsley stated, acknowledging the front office’s potential decisions regarding a multi-year rebuild versus a single-season approach.
Helsley, who will become a free agent at the season’s end, appears to be an unavoidable trade piece. Rival executives expressed surprise when the Cardinals retained him entering the year, and now several are actively pursuing the closer. league sources indicate at least five teams have shown varying levels of interest.
While Helsley’s trade value has diminished since the offseason, partly due to only two months of remaining team control, concerns also exist regarding his performance this season. Despite possessing one of baseball’s most potent fastballs, opposing hitters have achieved a .415 batting average and .538 slugging percentage against it. Still, contending teams are actively seeking bullpen reinforcements, and Helsley, alongside Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, is considered one of the premier closers available.
rockies Open to Reliever Trades, High Asking Prices
The Colorado Rockies are reportedly receptive to trade offers for reliever Victor Vodnik, though their asking price is significant. Similarly, the Rockies would consider discussions regarding reliever Seth Halvorsen, but would demand a notable return.
Both pitchers are under club control for several seasons, with Vodnik not eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season and Halvorsen until after the 2030 season. Historically, the Rockies have been hesitant to trade pitchers with multiple years of team control remaining, although they did trade reliever Nick Mears to the Milwaukee Brewers last year for prospects Bradley Blalock and Yujanyer Herrera.
Rival teams suggest that Jake Bird is the most likely reliever with club control to be traded by Colorado. The Athletic previously reported the Rockies’ openness to exploring offers for bird.
Vodnik,who averages 98.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, has posted a 3.00 ERA over 30 innings this season, with 30 strikeouts and 17 walks. Last year, he pitched 73 2/3 innings, recording a 4.28 ERA and nine saves. Halvorsen, also a hard-thrower with a four-seam fastball averaging 100.1 mph, has nine saves this season. In 37 2/3 innings, he has a 5.02 ERA, with 35 strikeouts and 18 walks.
