MLB Trade Rumors: Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley Drawing Interest from Phillies, Diamondbacks
As the MLB season gains momentum, trade chatter is already picking up — and one name climbing the rumor mill is St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
With teams beginning to evaluate their playoff chances and roster needs, Helsley has emerged as a top bullpen target for contenders. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, both the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks are monitoring the right-hander closely ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
“The Philadelphia Phillies, among other teams, already are keeping a close eye on Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who will likely be dealt by the trade deadline," Nightengale reported. "Yet, the Phillies are adamant they will not include top prospects Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller in any trade. The Arizona Diamondbacks, with lefty reliever A.J. Puk sidelined for the foreseeable future, also have interest in Helsley.”
Cardinals Still in the Mix — For Now
While the Cardinals sit at 12–15 and in fourth place in the NL Central, they’re just 4.5 games behind the division-leading Cubs. The Central is widely considered the weakest division in the National League, which means a run back into contention isn’t out of the question. Still, if St. Louis continues to falter, Helsley becomes a likely trade chip — just not immediately.
Why Helsley Has Value
Helsley, 29, is off to a strong start in 2025. In 10 appearances, he has allowed just four earned runs and eight hits, recording four saves and stabilizing the back end of the Cardinals' bullpen. His performance and closing experience make him a valuable target for contenders in need of late-inning help.
Bullpen Boosts for Playoff Hopefuls
The Phillies, currently second in the NL East behind the scorching-hot New York Mets (19–8), are looking to solidify their bullpen for what they hope will be a deep postseason run. Despite their interest in Helsley, they’ve made it clear they won't part with top prospects Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller in any deal.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks, sitting at 14–13 in the competitive NL West, are eyeing reinforcements of their own, particularly after losing A.J. Puk to injury. With the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants all ahead in the standings and boasting strong records, Arizona needs every edge it can get.
What Comes Next?
Any serious trade talk involving Helsley is still likely weeks or months away, depending on how the Cardinals perform leading into the summer. But with multiple teams already lining up, the market for the Cardinals' closer could heat up quickly — especially if Helsley maintains his current form.
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