If the St. Louis Cardinals aren't in position to contend in 2025 -- and why would they be? -- it makes sense for the club to explore trades. What could the Cards receive by shopping several players and letting other teams know that St. Louis was willing to make a deal for the right return? Acquiring premium prospects and/or young major-league talent would secure future assets, which is always the goal for a team that's rebuilding, resetting, regrouping, retooling -- or any other "R" word you prefer to use.

The most obvious trade candidate is closer Ryan Helsley. He had a career-best season in 2024. He was fully healthy from start to finish for the first time in his major-league career. Helsley has a full season remaining (2025) before he's eligible for free agency. He would be a high-impact addition for a bullpen-needy contender that has a chance to go all the way in '25.

It makes no sense for the Cardinals to keep Helsley for 2025. His trade value has never been higher. If the Cardinals keep him with the idea of moving at the 2025 trading deadline, that's risky business. Suppose Helsley suffers a major injury during the first few months of the '25 season? His trade value would