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The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly in a bit of a rebuilding phase. It doesn't appear to be a rebuild like the Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox, and Colorado Rockies are in, but nonetheless, it's a rebuild.
This means expiring players, like closer Ryan Helsley, will be prime trade candidates ahead of the trade deadline.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently predicted the Cardinals would eventually trade Helsley to the Texas Rangers this season. Helsley's contract expires at the end of the season, and Spotrac projects him to sign for $81 million in free agency.
"USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported last weekend that the Philadelphia Phillies and Diamondbacks are already interested in closer Ryan Helsley, who figures to be one of the crown jewels of the trade deadline if the transitioning Cardinals do indeed sell," Kelly wrote. "The Texas Rangers make as much sense as anyone.
"They allowed Kirby Yates and José Leclerc to walk in free agency last winter, while David Robertson remains a free agent. Thus far, Luke Jackson, Chris Martin, Hoby Milner, and Robert Garcia have helped the Rangers to be much better than anyone could have anticipated, as they are in the top 10 in bullpen ERA."
The market for Helsley is bound to be quite hot this season. He's likely going to be the best reliever on the market, and a lot of contending teams need a closer like him.
The Rangers make a lot of sense as a suitor after parting ways with Kirby Yates and David Robertson over the offseason. Only time will tell if the Rangers are willing to give up the massive prospect haul it would take to land the Cardinals righty.
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About the writer
Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge ... Read more