It was recently revealed that the St. Louis Cardinals are not actively seeking a trade for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley. This appears to be just another blunder in a line of many over the last few years for the once proud ball club.
While Helsley is a fan favorite, there is really no other reason for the Cardinals to keep the closer since the team appears to be in rebuild-mode.
Helsley is 30 years old, in the final year of arbitration, coming off a career year, and does not fit into the Cardinals future plans. So, why not deal the closer?
Afterall, while Helsley is slated to make $8.1 million this winter, if he has another strong season, that price tag will more than double next season. For a team that is looking to cut costs, moving Helsley makes all the sense in the world, which is probably why the clubs President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, is not going to do it.
Pitcher Sonny Gray and catcher, first baseman, designated hitter Wilson Contreras have already exercised their no-trade clauses, so they aren't going anywhere, and third-baseman Nolan Arenado's $74 million contract does not expire until 2027, making him a tough piece to move.
Could not making the move pay off for the Cards? Sure, I guess so, if you're looking at the immediate future, but the best teams make moves to better their position for three to five years down the road, not for one year. Let's just pretend that there is not a market for an All-Star closer, which I do not believe for one second, but let's say the Cards hang onto Helsley until the deadline. Maybe he hasn't matched his stats from last season and blown a few saves, his return drops drastically. In my eyes, even if he performs well, the Cards won't recoup much at the deadline because every team will know Helsley will be moving on at the end of the season, so the Cards will be looking to get what they can. Move him now while there is good return for him. The Phillies appear to be one team that may have interest in Helsley. So, don't tell fans there is no market for the closer.
If the Cardinals are truly in a rebuild, trading Helsley for a package of young minor leaguers is the organization's best chance to revamp the lackluster farm system. I mean, it's kind of hard to build a winning foundation when the system you are pulling players from is already depleted. Trading Helsley now just makes sense, but when has Mo' made moves that make sense as of late? It's time that St. Louis closes this deal, so that the team can start the process of rebuilding what was once a proud and winning franchise.
St. Louis baseball fans deserve better than the underperforming team that has been put on the field the last few years.
Afterall, shouldn't the Best Fans in Baseball have one of the best products to support?
Photo (Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)
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