Central STL News

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded relief pitcher Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets in exchange for three minor league prospects, marking a significant move as the team shifts focus toward rebuilding for the future.

Helsley, who was the longest-tenured player on the Cardinals and a two-time All-Star, set a franchise record with 49 saves last season. This year, after an early toe injury and some struggles with mechanics, he recorded 21 saves in 26 opportunities. The trade comes ahead of Thursday’s MLB Trade Deadline and signals changes in leadership for the Cardinals, as advisor Chaim Bloom is set to replace John Mozeliak as president of baseball operations in 2026.

In return for Helsley, the Cardinals acquired infielder Jesus Baez (ranked No. 8 among Mets prospects by MLB Pipeline), right-handed pitcher Nate Dohm (No. 14), and right-handed reliever Frank Elissalt. Baez will now be ranked No. 6 in the Cardinals system according to MLB Pipeline assessments, which rate his hitting at average but give higher marks for power and arm strength. Baez was signed out of Santo Domingo in 2022 and reached High-A Brooklyn before suffering a knee injury last year; over his minor league career so far, he has hit .234 with 30 home runs.

Dohm joined from Mississippi after transferring from Ball State University and has posted a 3-5 record with a 2.87 ERA across Class-A St. Lucie and High-A Brooklyn this season, while Elissalt—a Miami native—has made seven starts in his 21 appearances at Class-A St. Lucie with a 4-5 record and a 3.02 ERA.

The Cardinals may continue to trade additional veteran players before the deadline as they evaluate offers for several pitchers and position players on their roster.

Helsley spoke about his time with St. Louis before Wednesday’s game against Miami: “You want to play in October because you never know if it is going to be your last time or your only time,” Helsley said. “We take it for granted sometimes, and I think when you have that chance and another team wants you to add you to their team, that’s a big deal.”

He also reflected on leaving St. Louis: “I’ve showed up to the clubhouse early the last couple of days,” Helsley said. “And I was driving around the city a little bit and taking a few things in. But I’ve enjoyed my time here and St. Louis has been great to me. I’ve given everything I’ve had the last seven years here to try and help the team win.”

Iván Herrera now becomes the longest-tenured player in the organization following Helsley's departure; Herrera joined as an international free agent in July 2016.

The Mets are expected to use Helsley alongside Edwin Díaz at closer as they aim for postseason contention.