St. Louis Cardinals Latest Trade Move Replace Ryan Helsley With 1.84 ERA Star

The St. Louis Cardinals’ approach to this year’s trade deadline remains uncertain—they could be buyers, sellers, or simply stand pat. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak is still taking a “wait-and-see” approach. Over the next month, the team hopes to clarify whether it’s truly in the postseason hunt or not, which would give Mozeliak clearer direction on how to proceed.

Meanwhile, several playoff-hopeful teams around the league—including the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, and Tigers—are already ramping up trade discussions in anticipation of the deadline.

Back in early June, ESPN’s Jeff Passan released a preliminary look at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. In his analysis, he identified Ryan Helsley as the Cardinals’ most likely trade candidate this season. However, Passan also noted that if St. Louis stays competitive, they’ll likely retain their All-Star closer.

Should the Cardinals decide to move Helsley, they’ll need to find someone to step into his high-pressure role—and they do have a few internal options who could take on that challenge.

RHP Phil Maton

Phil Maton has quietly been one of the Cardinals’ best offseason pickups. Signed late in the winter on a one-year, \$2 million deal, Maton has delivered a strong performance with a 1.84 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and a 1.091 WHIP across 29.1 innings. He’s thrived in a setup role for Oliver Marmol’s bullpen.

 

 

Though not traditionally a closer, Maton has experience in high-leverage situations and has already recorded two saves this season. If the Cardinals trade Ryan Helsley, Maton could step in as the team’s closer down the stretch.

There’s even a possibility the Cardinals choose to trade Helsley and keep Maton, given Maton’s superior numbers and more affordable contract.

RHP Andre Granillo

Rookie Andre Granillo made his big-league debut earlier this season after several strong years in the minors, and he’s made a great first impression.

 

 

Through 6.2 innings in the majors, Granillo owns a 1.35 ERA with two strikeouts, a 1-0 record, and one save. Both his win and save came during a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.

Granillo has been building closing experience in the minors for more than a year, racking up 30 saves as a prospect. If he eventually replaces Ryan Helsley as the team’s closer, there may be some early bumps, but his track record suggests he has the tools to grow into a dependable ninth-inning option.

RHP Gordon Graceffo

Gordon Graceffo spent the offseason working with Tread Athletics to improve his approach, delivery, and mechanics.

 

In a conversation with Katie Woo of The Athletic, Graceffo said his main goal was simply to help the major-league team in whatever role was needed. Though he’s primarily been a starter throughout his time as a prospect, he expressed a willingness to pitch out of the bullpen.

This season, he’s been used exclusively as a reliever at the big-league level, posting a 6.62 ERA over 17.2 innings with 15 strikeouts and just four walks. He’s surrendered only one home run across 10 appearances. While he’s had trouble generating strikeouts and has allowed too many hits, he’s still been a serviceable option in longer relief outings.

If Graceffo can rediscover the strikeout ability he showed in the minors this year (9.1 K/9), he might emerge as a potential closing option should Ryan Helsley be traded.