St. Louis Writer Calls Out Helsley’s Decline from Last Year
As the St. Louis Cardinals gear up for another season, one writer is shining a spotlight on a player who may have slipped under the radar. In a recent article, the writer brings attention to the decline of pitcher Ryan Helsley compared to his performance last year.
With the team’s focus on their star players, it’s easy to overlook the struggles of a lesser-known player like Helsley. But this writer is not letting his decline go unnoticed.
Last year, Helsley showed promise as a rookie, with a 2.95 ERA and 36 strikeouts in just 36.2 innings pitched. However, this season, his numbers have taken a dip, with a 4.91 ERA and only 10 strikeouts in 11 innings.
The writer points out that while Helsley’s decline may not be drastic, it is still cause for concern. With the Cardinals relying on their bullpen to secure wins, every player’s performance is crucial.
But what could be causing Helsley’s decline? The writer suggests that it could be due to his lack of playing time, as he has only appeared in 10 games so far this season.
Regardless of the reason, this writer’s article serves as a reminder to not overlook the
Trade Rumors Swirl Around St. Louis Cardinals Closer Ryan Helsley as Deadline Approaches
There’s been plenty of buzz surrounding potential trades as the deadline looms just a few weeks away. One of the big names expected to be on the move is St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. But with his performance in 2025, will teams still be interested in the reigning NL Reliever of the Year?
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Helsley has converted 18 out of 23 save attempts this season, but his ERA of 3.38 is much higher than what the flamethrower is used to. Despite this, MLB.com’s John Denton believes that Helsley’s overall career success could still make him a valuable asset to a team.
According to Denton, Helsley has been with the Cardinals since 2015 and is their longest-tenured player. However, his past success, expiring contract, and desire for a salary similar to that of top closers like Josh Hader and Edwin Diaz could make him expendable.
Helsley’s AL counterpart and last year’s Reliever of the Year, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, has also seen a decline in production this season. In fact, Clase has already allowed the same number of earned runs he did all of last year in just over a month of the 2025 season.
But despite this, Helsley remains a reliable closer for the Cardinals, who are currently in the running for a Wild Card spot as we approach the All-Star break. It remains to be seen where Helsley could end up if he is traded, especially since he has expressed a desire to stay in St. Louis. However, if a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers or any other playoff contender shows interest in the hot-handed righty, we’ll see just how loyal he is to the Cardinals.
