MLB Rumors: Cardinals' Ryan Helsley Gets Traded To AL Team in Deadline Proposal

May 02, 2025 ,
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley celebrates after 2024 game.

If the Texas Rangers plan to make another deep postseason run, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes they’ll need to add firepower to the back end of their bullpen—and he thinks Ryan Helsley is the guy to do it. 

In his early 2025 trade deadline predictions, Kelly pegged the Rangers as the most likely team to swing a deal for the St. Louis Cardinals' All-Star closer, calling Helsley one of the "crown jewels" of the market.

Helsley Could Anchor Texas’ Championship Push

The 29-year-old Helsley is coming off a dominant 2024 campaign in which he saved 49 games, won the NL Reliever of the Year Award, and posted a 2.04 ERA. While April has been uneven, he's still regarded as one of the top closers in the league. With the Cardinals sitting under .500 and Helsley in the final year of his deal, a trade is looking more like a matter of when—not if.

"The Rangers make as much sense as anyone," Kelly wrote, noting that Texas lost Kirby Yates, José Leclerc, and David Robertson and lacks a clear ninth-inning arm. Though the bullpen has overperformed, Kelly said, “If they want to not only win the AL West but also have a chance at their second title in three years, they'll need to make a major addition.”

Perfect Timing for Both Sides

For the Cardinals, trading Helsley would bring back much-needed prospect capital to aid their long-term outlook. For the Rangers, it’s a chance to take advantage of a championship window with stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis García, and Jacob deGrom all in their 30s. With Helsley anchoring the bullpen, the path back to October glory gets a lot smoother.

Photo Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images 

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