In a stunning development that could reshape the trajectory of the St. Louis Cardinals’ franchise, reports have emerged of a proposed blockbuster trade that would send All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, star closer Ryan Helsley, and significant financial support to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Kevin McGonigle, one of Major League Baseball’s most highly rated prospects.
According to veteran MLB analyst Jim Bowden, the Cardinals are contemplating this massive deal as they walk a tightrope between remaining competitive in the 2025 postseason race and setting the foundation for a sustainable future.
A Gamble at a Franchise Crossroads
Currently hovering in the thick of the National League Wild Card hunt, the Cardinals face a delicate decision: continue riding with their aging but dependable veterans, or flip the script by investing heavily in a rising talent who’s yet to play a single inning in the majors.
Bowden’s proposed deal would see Nolan Arenado, a perennial Gold Glover and clubhouse leader, and Ryan Helsley, a two-time All-Star with a franchise record for saves in a season, dealt to Detroit. Alongside them, the Cardinals would reportedly agree to cover a substantial portion of Arenado’s remaining contract, potentially as much as $20 million of the $52 million owed.
In return, they would receive Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers’ No. 2 prospect and ranked 22nd overall in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline. The 20-year-old shortstop/second baseman has drawn widespread praise for his offensive approach, high-contact hitting, and mature presence at the plate—yet remains entirely untested at the big-league level.
The Risk Factor
Arenado’s bat may have cooled somewhat (.405 SLG, 98 wRC+), but his defense remains elite. He currently ranks third among all MLB third basemen in Outs Above Average and continues to be a force at the hot corner. His 10 home runs still tie him for the team lead.
Helsley, on the other hand, has seen a dip in effectiveness. His 3.67 ERA is his highest since 2021, and his strikeout rate has dropped to 26.9%. Opponents are batting .255 against him, and his walk rate is above 10%. Despite this, he remains one of the more respected closers in the game, and his 14 saves in 2025 demonstrate he still brings value.
But trading both? For one young infielder with promise but no track record? That’s where the risk lies.
“If this deal goes through, the Cardinals are betting on projection over production,” said a National League scout. “McGonigle could be special, but trading two cornerstones and cash for a player who hasn’t seen MLB pitching yet is a bold, dangerous move.”
A Divide Among Fans and Analysts
Predictably, the Cardinals’ fanbase is split. While some believe the move could inject new life into a farm system already brimming with talent—particularly in the middle infield—others see it as a panic move that disrespects two of the team’s most consistent performers.
“It feels premature,” said one fan on social media. “We’re still in the race, and now we’re talking about trading Nolan and Helsley? For a kid who might not be ready for two years?”
Others, however, argue the time is now.
“We’ve seen this core max out,” a radio host said. “Winn, Wetherholt, and possibly McGonigle could anchor the next decade. You don’t often get a shot at three controllable infielders with All-Star upside.”
A Move That Would Mark a New Era
Though nothing is official, the fact that this proposal has surfaced from reliable sources speaks volumes about the current mindset in the Cardinals’ front office. John Mozeliak and his team are clearly considering a more aggressive transition toward youth and upside—even if it comes at the cost of familiarity, leadership, and certainty.
If completed, this trade would not just be a transaction—it would be a philosophical statement: a commitment to reimagining the franchise around potential rather than pedigree.
Because in the game of baseball, as the Cardinals are now learning, the future always comes with a price.
