Central STL News

Nolan Arenado spoke publicly about his future with the St. Louis Cardinals and the recent trade of closer Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets, which occurred just before the team lost 2-0 to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night. Arenado expressed disappointment over losing Helsley, who set a franchise record with 49 saves in 2024, and raised questions about his own status ahead of Thursday’s MLB Trade Deadline.

Arenado, age 34, joined the Cardinals before the 2021 season. He was considered a key piece for a potential World Series run but used his no-trade clause last December to block a move to the Houston Astros. Team president John Mozeliak has since met with Arenado to discuss whether he would consider expanding his list of acceptable trade destinations, but no decision has been announced.

“We’ll see. I’ve got some things to take care of first,” Arenado told MLB.com. “It’ll probably be fine [without a trade], but we’ll let it play out and see where it goes.”

The Cardinals’ decision to send their two-time All-Star closer Helsley to the Mets in exchange for three minor league prospects indicates a shift toward rebuilding around younger players under Chaim Bloom, who is expected to succeed Mozeliak after this season.

Arenado still has two years remaining on his contract, which will pay him $27 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027 according to Spotrac. This year he has hit just ten home runs and holds a .660 OPS, marking a career low.

Reflecting on Helsley’s departure, Arenado said: “The way he carried himself was amazing and he was a true professional. I’m going to miss him on the field and off the field. We’d go golf and hang out, so I’m going to miss him a lot. I’m bummed, but I’m happy for him, too.”

Arenado also commented on their personal relationship: “He’s the man and I really hope it works out well for him,” Arenado said of Helsley, who is set to become a free agent this winter when he hopes for a long-term deal similar to those signed by other top closers like Josh Hader and Edwin Díaz. “[Helsley] is one of the better people I have ever played with and one of my all-time favorites. And he’s a great competitor, and a hard worker and just having him around, he made everybody better, truly.”