The Cardinals now look shrewd in their decision to keep Ryan Helsley

The Cardinals Now Look Shrewd in Their Decision to Keep Ryan Helsley

In the world of Major League Baseball, there are always a few decisions that seem to stand out, for better or for worse. Sometimes, a team’s front office will make a choice that may seem questionable at the time, but later proves to be a stroke of genius. The St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to hold onto right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley might just be one such move, and recent events have shown just how wise it was.

Ryan Helsley, a name that now carries weight in the Cardinals organization, was once a young, untested prospect with potential that was largely untapped. His journey, however, has led him to become one of the more dominant closers in the league. This article takes a deep dive into Helsley’s rise, the Cardinals’ strategic decision to keep him, and how that move has paid off, reflecting on both the present and future implications for the team.

The Early Years: A Promising Talent

Ryan Helsley was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft. As a promising talent, Helsley entered the system with significant upside. A product of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Helsley already had a strong arm that could hit the upper 90s with his fastball. However, the challenge for him was always going to be refining his control and improving his secondary pitches to make him a complete package on the mound.

Early in his career, Helsley showed flashes of brilliance in the minors. He quickly worked his way through the Cardinals’ farm system, and his fastball, which can touch 100 mph, was a tool that impressed scouts and coaches alike. By 2018, Helsley had already made his Major League debut, but it was clear that there was much more work to be done before he could establish himself as a consistent contributor at the MLB level.

In his early appearances with the Cardinals, Helsley was primarily used as a reliever, which seemed to be the best fit for his skill set. His ability to throw high-velocity fastballs paired with a devastating slider made him an intriguing piece in the bullpen. Still, despite the flashes of potential, Helsley’s inconsistency remained an issue. He had moments where he would dominate hitters with his electric stuff, but also stretches where control issues would plague him.

The Decision to Keep Helsley

As the 2020 season drew to a close, the Cardinals faced a decision about Helsley’s future with the team. While it was clear that he had the raw talent, the question remained whether he could become the consistent, elite reliever that the Cardinals needed in their bullpen. Some suggested the Cardinals might explore trades or look for alternative solutions, especially considering the unpredictable nature of a bullpen pitcher’s development.

However, the Cardinals’ front office opted to retain Helsley. This decision was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, the Cardinals were aware of the volatility that comes with relievers and how quickly a pitcher’s value can fluctuate from year to year. On the other hand, Helsley’s upside was undeniable. His fastball velocity, plus his ability to generate swings and misses, made him a tantalizing asset that could be a cornerstone of the bullpen.

By the time the 2021 season arrived, Helsley had begun to make strides in his development. He had worked hard on improving his command and refining his secondary pitches. The Cardinals recognized that a pitcher with Helsley’s arsenal was worth investing in, even if it meant going through a few growing pains. The front office’s faith in Helsley’s potential began to look like the right decision as he took on more responsibility in key late-game situations.

Helsley’s Breakout Season

The turning point for Ryan Helsley came in 2022. That season, Helsley took a significant leap forward, and his performance was one of the highlights of the Cardinals’ bullpen. He became an integral part of the team’s late-game relief corps, pitching in high-leverage situations with remarkable success. Helsley’s numbers began to speak for themselves. He posted a 1.25 ERA and racked up 94 strikeouts in just 72 innings of work. His fastball averaged 98 mph, and his slider became one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball.

But what really made Helsley stand out in 2022 was his ability to get out of jams and dominate in tight, high-pressure situations. His fastball became a weapon that hitters simply couldn’t handle, and his ability to throw strikes when needed most turned him into one of the top closers in baseball. Helsley’s transformation from a prospect with potential to a reliable, high-performing closer proved that the Cardinals’ decision to keep him was, in hindsight, a stroke of brilliance.

Not only did Helsley contribute significantly in 2022, but his performance helped elevate the entire bullpen. The Cardinals’ bullpen, which had been a weak spot in previous seasons, became a major strength, thanks in large part to Helsley’s elite production. It became clear that the team had made the right call to hold onto him.

The Cardinals’ Strategic Long-Term Planning

The decision to retain Helsley also dovetailed with the Cardinals’ broader strategy of investing in homegrown talent. The team’s front office has made a concerted effort in recent years to build from within and develop players who can contribute at the major league level. Keeping Helsley was part of this long-term vision, as the Cardinals sought to strengthen their bullpen while also ensuring financial flexibility in a competitive National League Central.

Another key aspect of this decision was the cost control that comes with holding onto young, talented players. Helsley, who was still on his rookie contract, represented a cost-effective option for the Cardinals in their bullpen. By retaining him, they were able to focus their financial resources on other areas of the roster, such as starting pitching or position players, while still benefiting from a high-performing reliever.

This focus on cost-effective, homegrown players allowed the Cardinals to continue building their competitive roster without the pressure of making expensive free-agent signings or trading away top prospects for established veterans. Helsley’s development was a key part of the equation, as the team was able to rely on him as a lockdown reliever without breaking the bank.

Helsley’s Impact on the Cardinals’ 2023 and Beyond

In 2023, Helsley continued to solidify his reputation as one of the best closers in baseball. His consistent ability to dominate hitters, combined with his poise in high-leverage situations, made him a fixture in the Cardinals’ bullpen. His performance continued to validate the decision to hold onto him, as he became one of the cornerstones of the team’s pitching staff.

The future of the Cardinals now looks promising with Helsley at the back end of the bullpen. The front office’s commitment to him, backed by his dominant performance, sets the tone for how the team will approach future roster decisions. Helsley’s presence in the bullpen gives the Cardinals a competitive edge, especially in tight games where every pitch counts. As the team looks to contend in the coming years, Helsley’s development into an elite closer will be crucial to their success.

Moreover, Helsley’s success has also served as a model for other young pitchers in the system. The Cardinals have a strong history of developing pitching talent, and Helsley’s rise from a prospect to an All-Star caliber closer shows that the team’s developmental processes are working. The front office’s decision to keep Helsley not only helped the major league roster but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to developing talent from within.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to keep Ryan Helsley was nothing short of shrewd. What was once a questionable move has now turned into one of the team’s most valuable assets. Helsley’s rise from a raw, unrefined prospect to one of the most dominant relievers in the game exemplifies the potential that can be unlocked when a team invests in its players and believes in their development.

As the Cardinals continue to build their roster for sustained success, Helsley will undoubtedly be a key piece of that puzzle. His continued dominance in the bullpen will be crucial as the team aims to compete for championships in the coming years. The Cardinals’ front office has shown that patience and trust in a player’s potential can yield incredible results, and Ryan Helsley is a perfect example of that philosophy in action. The decision to keep him was a gamble at the time, but it’s one that has paid off handsomely for the St. Louis Cardinals.