Cardinals $81 million All-Star closer linked to Tigers in possible blockbuster
Context:
The St. Louis Cardinals have recently improved their performance, winning four consecutive games and nearing a .500 record, but they remain unlikely to compete with top teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. Consequently, they might consider trading players at the deadline to rebuild their roster, with All-Star closer Ryan Helsley being their most valuable trade asset. The Detroit Tigers, needing to strengthen their bullpen due to injuries and underperformance, could be interested in acquiring Helsley, as they possess one of the strongest farm systems in Major League Baseball. Trading Helsley, who is in the final year of his contract, could yield a substantial return of prospects for the Cardinals, which aligns with their goal to restock their farm system. This potential deal is part of broader trade considerations, including the possibility of sending another All-Star to the Red Sox following Triston Casas's injury.
Dive Deeper:
The St. Louis Cardinals have improved their performance with a four-game winning streak and are close to reaching a .500 record, though they are still four games away from the top spot in the National League Central.
Despite the recent success, the Cardinals are not equipped to contend with elite teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, which may lead them to sell key players at the trade deadline.
Ryan Helsley, an All-Star closer, is identified as the Cardinals' most valuable trade asset, capable of attracting significant interest and a large return of prospects.
The Detroit Tigers, facing bullpen challenges due to injuries and poor performance, are potential suitors for Helsley, as acquiring him could bolster their chances of winning the pennant.
The Tigers boast a strong farm system, considered one of the best in Major League Baseball, which could provide the Cardinals with the prospects needed for a successful rebuild.
Helsley is in the final year of his contract, making it a strategic opportunity for the Cardinals to capitalize on his trade value before the deadline.
In addition to Helsley's potential trade, there is speculation about another Cardinals All-Star being sent to the Red Sox, contingent on Triston Casas's injury situation.
The St. Louis Cardinals are playing better baseball as of late, having won four consecutive games and moved to within a game of the .500 mark.
At 18-19, St. Louis is just four games out of first place in the weak National League Central.
However, their hot streak likely won't last as they are not built to compete with teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers. This means they could ultimately sell at the trade deadline.
Should they go that route, closer Ryan Helsley is their biggest trade chip. He could bring back a haul of prospects.
Colin Keane of Sports Illustrated notes that the Detroit Tigers could be in play.
"If the Tigers want to solidify their chances of winning the pennant, they need to shore up a bullpen that has been affected by injuries and underperformance," Keane wrote.
"That makes Detroit a possible suitor for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who was discussed as a valuable trade chip by MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger last week."
The Tigers have a very strong farm system, arguably the best in Major League Baseball. St. Louis needs to restock their farm as part of their "reset," and Detroit has a ton of prospects that they might be interested in.
Again, Helsley, even in the final year of his contract, could bring back a massive haul of prospects, and that is something St. Louis needs to take advantage of.
We'll see if they are able to get a good return for the All-Star closer.
More MLB: Cardinals could send $260 million All-Star to Red Sox after Triston Casas injury