Ryan Helsley Landing Spots: Predicting 3 destinations for Cardinals All-Star closer amid trade rumors

Ryan Helsley has emerged as one of the top relievers in baseball in recent years. The St. Louis Cardinals closer has been as elite as they come, leading the entire MLB in saves in 2024 by racking up a whopping 49 saves en route to the second All-Star selection of his career.

All that being said, the St. Louis Cardinals are pivoting away from their veteran superstars in favor of handing the reigns to their young stars. This has led to proven players such as Ryan Helsley finding themselves at the forefront of trade rumors.

The 30-year-old reliever is slated to make just over $8 million in 2025, a salary that the Cardinals will likely be looking to offload. The fact that Helsley is an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2025 is all the more reason for the St. Louis to explore the trade market. Luckily for the club, there are a number of intriguing options that will likely be interested in the star closer.

Here's a closer look at 3 potential landing spots for Ryan Helsley if he is made available by the Cardinals

#1 - Arizona Diamondbacks

After a disappointing 2024 campaign which saw the Arizona Diamondbacks, the club finds themselves back in contention after making a pair of significant moves. The D-Backs were able to trade for first baseman Josh Naylor, while also signing Corbin Burnes in free agency. Adding a lock-down closer like Helsley could be the type of move that could push them over the edge.

Ryan Helsley could immediately take over as the team's closer and be the type of bullpen arm that could help the Diamondbacks make another deep postseason run. Arizona has a number of intriguing prospects who could help them get a deal done.

#2 - Toronto Blue Jays

Another team that could use an experienced closer are the Toronto Blue Jays. The team opted to non-tender Jordan Romano, opening the door for a different player to take on the closing duties. The Blue Jays have had little to no success in free agency, so filling their needs on the trade market could be the move. The fact that Helsley is set to become a free agent means they don't have to commit long-term.

#3 - Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have been one of the biggest winners of the offseason so far. The club has made a number of significant moves to improve their roster, adding the likes of Aroldis Chapman, Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet. Ryan Helsley could be the next major move for the team and could help them replace Kenley Jansen, while also helping them improve their odds in the playoff race.