“Rebuilding year”- Cardinals and Dodgers Completes a Historic Swap for All-Stars in Close-up Trade…
So much for calling it a “rebuilding year.”
At the start of the 2025 MLB season, the St. Louis Cardinals appeared to be in a transitional phase—straddling the line between holding on to past successes and shifting toward a youth-focused overhaul. Speculation wasn’t about whether they’d make the playoffs, but how many big-name players would be traded before the July 31 deadline.
Nolan Arenado? Dealt. Erick Fedde? Shipped off for future talent. Sonny Gray? Sent to bolster another team’s playoff run. Even rising star Brendan Donovan was being floated in hypothetical trade scenarios.
Yet, as the season progressed past the quarter mark, the Cardinals’ outlook took an unexpected turn.
Now sitting at 28–23, they’re just three games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Although they’re narrowly missing the last wild-card spot—just one game behind the Padres—they remain tightly packed in a competitive group with the Brewers, Reds, Diamondbacks, and Braves, all within 3.5 games.
Suddenly, it’s not a fire sale—it’s a pivotal moment.
For President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak and his team, the conversation has shifted. The pressing question: Is this a squad that deserves to be fortified for a playoff push, or one that should trade valuable pieces while their stock is high?
Analyst Says Cardinals Should Deal Closer Ryan Helsley
No matter which direction St. Louis ultimately chooses, Garrett Kerman of ClutchPoints believes one thing is clear: the Cardinals should trade Ryan Helsley.
Helsley, a 30-year-old right-handed closer in his seventh season, has logged 10 saves in 12 attempts this year, with a 3.71 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17 innings. Coming off a 2024 season where he led the NL with 49 saves—possibly the best by any reliever in team history—Helsley is expected to become a free agent after this season. Given the likelihood he won’t re-sign, Kerman argues that the Cardinals should deal him now to gain long-term assets.
“With his powerful arm and recent dominance, Helsley is the perfect trade candidate,” Kerman wrote. “The Cardinals have a strong crop of young arms and need to think long-term. Trading Helsley strikes a balance between staying competitive today and building a sustainable future.”
Kerman also suggested Helsley would be a prime acquisition for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are eyeing a repeat World Series title—something no team has accomplished since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998–2000.
“Helsley would lock down the ninth inning for a Dodgers team that has struggled in late-game situations,” Kerman added.
Dodgers Offer Top Prospects in Exchange for Helsley
As part of a proposed trade, Kerman recommended the Dodgers send outfielder Josue De Paula (ranked No. 2 in their farm system) and right-handed pitcher Nick Frasso (No. 12), along with reliever Michael Grove to sweeten the deal. However, Grove, 28, is recovering from shoulder surgery and likely won’t pitch in 2025. Alternatives like Jack Dreyer or Anthony Banda could be more realistic additions.
Still, the overarching point remains: it’s better for the Cardinals to secure valuable pieces now than lose Helsley in free agency for only a compensatory draft pick.
“This wouldn’t be a sign of surrender for the 2025 season,” Kerman explained. “It’s a strategic move—one that allows St. Louis to stockpile talent, fill future roster needs, and keep financial flexibility while its younger core continues to grow.”
By capitalizing on Helsley’s high trade value, the Cardinals could strengthen their future without entirely sacrificing the present.
