With their bullpen ranked eighth-worst in the league in ERA, the Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly looking to make a major move. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Arizona is targeting St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, last year’s National League Reliever of the Year, as a potential fix for their late-inning woes.
Helsley was a dominant force for the Cardinals in 2024, locking down 49 saves while blowing just four. However, his role has been much quieter early in 2025—he’s only appeared in 10 games and has had just six save chances, two of which he’s blown. Despite that slow start, Helsley’s elite stuff—highlighted by a blazing fastball and a devastating slider—continues to make him one of the most valuable relief arms in the league.
Trade rumors have swirled around Helsley since the offseason, but St. Louis has so far resisted moving their franchise record-holder. That could change soon. Helsley’s value remains high, and a trade could bring back a return significant enough to alter the Cardinals’ long-term trajectory.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are locked in a fierce NL West race and desperate to patch up a bullpen that has already let five saves slip away. Despite Helsley’s early season hiccups, his experience and talent would bring stability to the back end of Arizona’s bullpen.
Time may be of the essence. The Cardinals’ bullpen has also struggled recently, and if the group begins to rebound in May, the organization might decide to hold on to Helsley and push for a comeback in the NL Central. If the Cardinals do opt to shop him, though, demand could spike—potentially igniting a bidding war among contending teams.
