Flamethrower on the Move: Ryan Helsley Became the X-Factor of the MLB Trade Deadline
Posted: June 5, 2025
Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals’ homegrown closer and bullpen powerhouse, played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
After spending his entire professional career with the Cardinals, Helsley was traded just days before the deadline, confirming what many insiders had speculated for months. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Helsley debuted in 2019 and, after a slow start, grew into one of baseball’s most dominant relievers.
In the four seasons leading up to 2025, Helsley posted elite numbers: a 1.25 ERA in 2022, a 2.45 ERA in 2023, and a standout 2.04 ERA with 49 saves in 2024. Even in 2025, before the trade, he was performing at a high level with a 3.00 ERA and 13 saves in 21 appearances.
The Cardinals entered the 2025 season in what many believed was a rebuilding phase, making Helsley — a soon-to-be free agent — a natural trade candidate. However, the team outperformed expectations and found themselves in playoff contention, with one of the top run differentials in the league.
This competitive surge sparked internal debate within the Cardinals’ front office. Keep Helsley as a weapon for a potential postseason run, or trade him for valuable assets to strengthen the rebuild?
Ultimately, the Cardinals opted to move him, sending Helsley to a contending team in need of bullpen reinforcements. The trade package they received included top prospects, helping bolster the franchise’s long-term outlook without completely derailing their 2025 playoff hopes.
Chad Jennings of The Athletic had named Helsley one of the top trade candidates earlier in the season, noting, “The last thing a rebuilding team needs is a walk-year closer.” As it turned out, Jennings’ prediction came true — but with a twist. The Cardinals’ surprise success complicated the decision, turning Helsley’s trade into one of the most talked-about moves of the summer.
Now with a new team, Helsley brings his 99-mph fastball and All-Star pedigree to a fresh bullpen, while the Cardinals look to strike a balance between competing now and building for the future.
