Cardinals' Closer Ryan Helsley Expects Trade Before MLB Deadline

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Detroit Tigers are seeking bullpen reinforcements, with St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley emerging as a prime trade target given his proven track record and the Tigers' recent struggles. Helsley himself has acknowledged a high likelihood of being traded, estimating a 90 percent chance, despite his desire to remain with the Cardinals and help them win. The Cardinals, facing a potential rebuild and sitting well behind in their division, appear poised to sell key players including Helsley to acquire prospects for the future. Multiple teams, including the Dodgers, Phillies, and Blue Jays, have expressed interest in acquiring Helsley, whose contract is expiring after the season and who still displays elite pitching velocity despite a dip in effectiveness this year. Cardinals' front office is weighing whether to sell now or treat the current season as a rebuild year, with the consensus among experts and insiders leaning toward a trade. Helsley's trade would represent a strategic move for the Cardinals to strengthen their long-term roster, while offering contending teams a valuable bullpen asset.