The Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals appear to be on vastly different paths. The Dodgers have just secured their ninth World Series title, while the Cardinals seem ready to embark on a rebuild—though they are hesitant to label it as such. St. Louis is aiming to cut costs and build a younger roster, focusing on player development with hopes of returning to contention by 2026 and beyond.
As part of this shift, the Cardinals are looking to trade some key players, with All-Star closer Ryan Helsley and third baseman Nolan Arenado at the top of the list. Helsley’s role won’t be crucial for a team not aiming for a World Series this season, and his value is at its peak this winter. Arenado, on the other hand, is showing signs of decline and has a large contract that runs through his age-36 season.
Neither player is expected to be part of the Cardinals’ future competitive team, but both could be valuable assets for a team like the Dodgers, who are focused on making a championship push in 2025. This could set the stage for a major trade that helps the Dodgers go all-in while allowing the Cardinals to jumpstart their long-needed rebuild (or “reset”).
A blockbuster trade to land Dodgers star closer, help Cards rebuild
Los Angeles Dodgers Receive:
- RHP Ryan Helsley, 3B Nolan Arenado
St. Louis Cardinals Receive:
- C/OF Daulton Rushing, RHP Nick Frasso, INF/OF Austin Gauthier
For this trade to work, the Cardinals would need to absorb part of Arenado’s contract, which still has three years and $74 million left. Given that Arenado is no longer the player he once was, the deal would be more attractive if he and Helsley are packaged together, allowing St. Louis to secure a group of prospects who are near Major League-ready.
Daulton Rushing, ranked as the Dodgers’ top trade asset by MLB.com, began his career as a catcher but has transitioned to the outfield, which fits St. Louis’ current needs. Rushing, ranked as the Dodgers’ top prospect by MLB Pipeline, along with Nick Frasso (No. 12) and Austin Gauthier (No. 24), would be a significant return for the Cardinals. Gauthier adds depth to their outfield, and Frasso could potentially contribute to the starting rotation.
The Dodgers, known for targeting top talent, would be acquiring Helsley, who had a standout season with the Cardinals, setting a single-season saves record with 49, a 2.04 ERA, an All-Star selection, and the NL Reliever of the Year award. Helsley would bolster the Dodgers’ already strong bullpen, especially with Michael Kopech in the mix and potential departures from Blake Treinen.
Arenado could slide into third base for Los Angeles, with Max Muncy moving to second, Gavin Lux shifting to shortstop, and Mookie Betts or Tommy Edman potentially moving to the outfield. This arrangement could negate the need to re-sign Teoscar Hernandez, though the Dodgers may still pursue him with their financial flexibility. Alternatively, they could trade Muncy, placing Arenado at third, Lux at second, Betts at short, and adding Hernandez to the outfield.
While the Dodgers would strengthen their roster for another championship push, the Cardinals would gain Major League-ready talent to accelerate their rebuilding efforts.
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