Not trading Ryan Helsley would be a huge mistake

11/22/2024 09:00 AM

The Cardinals have a crucial offseason ahead of them. We know it's going to be the most fun offseason since they've already confirmed they're going to have a lower payroll and likely won't sign any free agents.

What is comforting is knowing that Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras want to stay in St. Louis. But while Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley haven't expressed a desire to get out of town, I would expect that both of them will be in a different uniform come spring training.

However, I read a little something from Derrick Goold the other day that said for now the Cardinals are inclined to hold onto Helsley unless they're "overwhelmed" by an offer. It got me thinking that there is at least a chance the Cardinals will hold onto him. However, this would be a mistake.

Sure, it could just be the Cardinals trying to drive his price up, which is a smart tactic. But with the Cardinals not expected to be a serious contender in 2025, the smartest move is to trade him while his value is high.

I personally would prefer the Cardinals to do this as soon as possible and not wait until the trade deadline, because what if he gets hurt or isn't quite as effective? Then his value goes way down. But right now, he's the best closer in all of baseball and just saved 49 games, a Cardinals franchise record. Even with him in the final year of his contract, he's going to get you a haul.

This is why it concerns me to hear John Mozeliak say that he wants to still field a somewhat competitive club. Of course, I want that too, and I think everybody does. But if you want to compete, add some free agents. If they're not going to sign players, then don't act like you want to be competitive when it's clear that winning will be on the backburner. The messaging is still inconsistent. Either commit to the rebuild or don't and be honest with fans.

But back to Helsley and why I think keeping him would be a mistake. Even if he's as good or better next year, the Cardinals likely aren't going to be able to re-sign him, and in all likelihood, they would receive nothing more than a compensation draft pick. That's not what the Cardinals need.

St. Louis needs top prospects, some that might even be close to Major League ready. Helsley is 30 and obviously isn't young anymore. It's time for the Cardinals to focus on youth and getting the most out of what they have. Trading him could even expedite the rebuilding process and get you some pieces that can help in the near future. Holding onto him will only prolong the inevitable.

If this is all just a tactic by the Cardinals to drive his price up, then that's actually a good thing, because they want to make sure they're getting the best possible package for Helsley. But they need to commit to this "reset" and embrace the future, and Helsley likely isn't going to be a part of the Cardinals' future, so it's best to trade him now.