Since last winter, there have been rumors swirling around about a possible Yankees-Cardinals trade. And it looks like this summer, it may actually turn true—possibly in a massive way. It’s no secret how tough things have been for the New York Yankees since Gerrit Cole‘s name was added to the injury list. But there appears to be a ray of hope, with a St. Louis Cardinals‘ star once again in the conversation.
It’s the Cardinals’ right-handed pitcher, Ryan Helsley, who will become a free agent in the next offseason. And, if the Cardinals lose him during the offseason, they might not get much in return. Thus, it’s likely that they will prefer trading Helsley before he becomes a free agent. And that’s where the Yankees come into the picture. Even though the Yankees have had a successful 2025 season thus far, they have been struggling with their rotation for a while. Their ace, Cole, had to undergo Tommy John surgery, and there’s no official news about when he will be back.
Meanwhile, with the signing of Nolan Arenado for a $260 million contract, the Cardinals are essentially broke. According to MLB analyst Nate Hagerty, Helsley is the only remaining option because Arenado is not expected to be traded this upcoming summer.
There is a good chance Helsley will end up in the Bronx because the Yankees were previously linked to him. The 30-year-old pitcher made seven appearances and has shown promise, recording three saves, a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nine to six, and an ERA of 2.57. But that’s not all. Helsley has a 1.57 WHIP over seven innings, and hitters have a pitiful batting average of .200 against him. Will he be a good bet for the Yanks?
It looks like so, and the Yankees do not have any other option as well. Their current pitcher, Devin Williams, has been inconsistent all throughout the season. He has recorded only four saves, with a 5.14 ERA, a 0-1 record, and a batting average against of .256. The Yankees could shift their strategy by leveraging Williams and Helsley in multiple ways. They might explore moving Williams, whose value as a former Brewers closer remains high. As this would also aid in the prospect capital lost in acquiring Helsley.
While the Yankees have a great chance of getting him on the team, the Los Angeles Dodgers are also looking like prime contenders at the moment.
Can Dodgers outspend Yankees for Ryan Helsley?
In the middle of the ongoing trade rumors between the Yankees and the Cardinals, the Dodgers have suddenly appeared, looking to play spoiler. While the Cardinals are seeking a significant lineup overhaul, they are having difficulty acquiring a big player. As they lost a lot of money on the signing of Arenado. Now that Helsley has recorded 49 saves last season and won the NL Reliever of the Year Award, the Dodgers appear to be leaving no stone unturned to make the deal happen. But how can they get him?
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley celebrates after striking out Cincinnati Reds’ Aristides Aquino for the final out of a baseball game Friday, June 10, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Well, the Dodgers have plenty of options at their disposal. However, they would prefer to maintain the current lineup for the time being because they have excellent players on their team. Instead, the Dodgers could trade their two prospects: Zyhir Hope and Noah Miller. The Dodgers already boast a terrific lineup at the moment. So, their main focus remains on strengthening the bullpen. That’s why they would look to get Helsley in the lineup. Ever thought about what might be the other reason behind such a move? Well, in addition to giving the postseason prospects a major boost, the Dodgers will once again prove that they remain the dominant team, leaving behind any other team that comes in their way.
However, nothing has been confirmed yet. As the trade talks continue and rumors persist, it cannot be denied that the Cardinals will give their pitcher to the team that will pay the highest amount. And as expected, the Dodgers are the only team that can spend the most in MLB right now.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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