Cardinals Trade $44 Million Hurler Before Ryan Helsley In Latest Insider Prediction

Cardinals Trade $44 Million Hurler Before Ryan Helsley in Latest Insider Prediction

As the MLB offseason continues to unfold, rumors and predictions about potential trades and player movements are heating up. The St. Louis Cardinals, a team with a long and storied history, are once again at the forefront of these discussions. In a recent insider prediction, it has been suggested that the Cardinals might make a significant move by trading a $44 million hurler before any possible deals involving Ryan Helsley, their star closer. This article explores the reasons behind this prediction, the players involved, the potential impact of such a trade, and what it means for the future of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Current State of the Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team in transition. After a successful decade of consistent playoff appearances and strong performances, the team found itself at a crossroads in 2023. The Cardinals finished the 2023 season with a disappointing 71-91 record, marking a significant drop from their usual competitive standing. The team’s struggles were primarily due to pitching woes, with both the rotation and bullpen underperforming for most of the year.

Offensively, the Cardinals were solid, led by key players like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Tommy Edman. However, despite their offensive firepower, the pitching staff failed to deliver, especially in high-leverage situations. As a result, the Cardinals front office has indicated that they will prioritize bolstering the pitching staff in the offseason, both through free-agent signings and trades.

One of the main areas of concern for the Cardinals is their starting rotation. Although they have a few promising arms, the rotation lacks the consistency and depth needed to contend for a postseason spot. Additionally, the bullpen has been a point of contention for several years, with several relievers struggling to maintain effectiveness throughout the season. This puts the Cardinals in a position where they may need to make bold moves to fix these issues.

The $44 Million Hurler: Who Could Be Traded?

The $44 million hurler in question is none other than left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. Matz, who was signed by the Cardinals to a four-year, $44 million contract before the 2022 season, has had an underwhelming tenure in St. Louis so far. The deal was expected to provide the Cardinals with a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm, but Matz has struggled with consistency, injuries, and overall performance.

In his first season with the Cardinals (2022), Matz posted a 5.25 ERA over 48 innings, limited by a shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for much of the year. In 2023, Matz showed flashes of his potential but continued to battle both injuries and effectiveness, finishing the season with a 4.85 ERA over 97.2 innings. While he showed glimpses of his best self, including a few dominant outings, his overall performance has not lived up to the expectations that came with his lucrative contract.

For the Cardinals, Matz’s underperformance and injury history make him a prime candidate to be moved in the offseason. The team would likely prefer to shed his contract, especially if they plan to make room for other potential acquisitions. Given Matz’s contract size, the Cardinals might look to trade him to a team with more financial flexibility or to a team in need of a veteran presence in the rotation.

Matz’s contract situation also plays a significant role in the trade rumors. He is owed $11 million per season over the next three years, and while that is not a prohibitive amount for many teams, it is still a substantial commitment for a player who has not proven himself as a consistent contributor. The Cardinals may also need to eat part of Matz’s contract in a trade, but the move could still provide them with a much-needed injection of flexibility in their pursuit of pitching upgrades.

The Case for Trading Matz

The argument for trading Steven Matz is multifaceted. First and foremost, the Cardinals need to address their pitching needs, and trading Matz could help them clear space to pursue other targets. By moving Matz, the team could free up both financial and roster flexibility, enabling them to chase after a more reliable starter or bolster their bullpen with a proven reliever.

One potential trade partner for the Cardinals could be a team in need of a veteran left-handed pitcher. Matz’s experience in the MLB, coupled with his potential to provide solid innings in a middle-to-back-of-the-rotation role, could appeal to teams looking for depth. Furthermore, Matz has shown at times that he can be a valuable asset when healthy, so some teams may be willing to take a gamble on his upside.

Another factor that makes Matz a trade candidate is the state of the free-agent pitching market. Several top-tier starting pitchers are available in free agency, and the Cardinals may choose to pursue one of them, such as Sonny Gray, Lucas Giolito, or Aaron Nola. In that case, trading Matz could help them make room for a new addition while also allowing them to save money to allocate toward other areas of need.

The Cardinals could also explore trading Matz for prospects if they are willing to accept a rebuilding approach, especially if the team believes they can retool for the future without necessarily contending for a playoff spot in 2024. Moving Matz and receiving younger talent in return could be a prudent strategy if the front office wants to invest in long-term growth.

Ryan Helsley: The Closer in the Spotlight

While Matz is at the center of this trade prediction, the future of Ryan Helsley, the Cardinals’ closer, also looms large in the team’s offseason plans. Helsley is coming off a fantastic season in which he posted a 1.25 ERA and finished 21 games while recording 15 saves. He is one of the most dominant closers in the league, with a fastball that regularly touches 100 mph and an ability to lock down games in high-pressure situations.

Helsley’s dominance has made him a valuable asset, and many believe that he could be one of the Cardinals’ most attractive trade chips. However, there are several factors to consider when weighing the possibility of trading Helsley.

First, Helsley is under team control for a few more years, which means the Cardinals do not necessarily have to trade him immediately. His value is high, and if the team feels they are not close to contending for a championship, they could cash in on his value by trading him for prospects or a package that addresses other needs. However, trading a dominant closer is always a difficult decision, as the impact on the bullpen could be significant.

There is also the question of whether the Cardinals can afford to part ways with Helsley, given the team’s bullpen struggles in recent years. While the front office is likely to prioritize starting pitching, it would not be surprising if the Cardinals hold onto Helsley for at least another season to maintain a reliable late-inning presence. However, if the right offer comes along, the Cardinals may choose to capitalize on Helsley’s value before his arbitration years approach their end.

What Does This Mean for the Cardinals?

If the Cardinals do indeed trade Steven Matz before making any moves with Ryan Helsley, it would signal a clear shift in the team’s approach to improving its pitching staff. Trading Matz would likely free up financial flexibility and roster space for other acquisitions, including starting pitchers or relievers. It would also signal that the Cardinals are serious about making changes and improving their overall pitching depth.

On the other hand, holding onto Matz while exploring trade possibilities for Helsley would suggest that the Cardinals are taking a more cautious approach, preferring to retain their dominant closer while focusing on rebuilding their starting rotation. Given the high volatility of relief pitchers and the premium placed on elite closers, the team may view Helsley as a cornerstone of their bullpen moving forward.

Ultimately, the trade of Matz and the potential move of Helsley will depend on the team’s long-term vision. If the Cardinals are committed to competing in 2024 and beyond, they will likely focus on shoring up the starting rotation while keeping their bullpen intact. However, if they decide to pivot and pursue a more rebuilding-oriented strategy, trading Helsley for a significant return could accelerate their efforts to restock the farm system and build for the future.

Conclusion

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team in transition, and their offseason plans will likely be influenced by their need to address both their starting rotation and bullpen. The prediction that the team will trade Steven Matz, a $44 million hurler, before considering a move involving Ryan Helsley is a reflection of the Cardinals’ desire to improve their pitching staff while maintaining flexibility. Whether the team chooses to trade Matz for a prospect or clears financial space for a more impactful acquisition, such a move would be a step in the right direction as they look to rebuild and contend in the near future.

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Cardinals act on this prediction and make a significant trade involving Matz. Additionally, the future of Ryan Helsley will remain a key storyline, as the Cardinals decide whether to hold onto their closer or capitalize on his high trade value to address other needs. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the Cardinals are poised for change and are ready to make bold moves to return to their winning ways.