St. Louis – In a moment of silence amid a heavy bullpen, Ryan Helsley – who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals for most of his professional career – looked up toward the stands at Busch Stadium, as if trying to hold on to something that was slipping away.
On July 23, news that the Cardinals were considering trading Helsley spread across sports news sites. Fans were shocked. But the person who was hurt the most was probably Helsley.
“I’ve been here for over 11 years. St. Louis is home. It’s where I started my family. It’s where I grew up from a kid who just threw a ball to the man who carried this season for the Cardinals,” Helsley choked up when he heard that he might be the name put on the transfer market before the July 31 deadline.
“I’m a Cardinal. I want to stay”
With the team teetering on the edge of rebuilding or competing, Helsley’s name has become a valuable asset. With a record leading MLB in saves, an impressive ERA of 1.57, and rare consistency, he’s easily a top target for postseason teams like the Yankees, Phillies, or Dodgers.
But Helsley’s heart isn’t in any other city.
“I never asked to leave. If I had the option, I’d stay. I want to sign a long-term contract. This is where I want to finish my career,” he said, his voice dropping.
Helsley isn’t a loud star. He lives a private life, quietly fulfilling his role as a solid closer, rescuing the Cardinals from the brink many times. But after nearly 12 years with the team, his name is now appearing in the headlines… as a commodity to be traded.
From Oklahoma to Missouri, Helsley’s journey has been marked by red. He debuted with the Cardinals in 2019, overcoming a number of injuries to become an irreplaceable asset in the bullpen. But more than numbers or accolades, what endears him to fans is his loyalty and appreciation for the jersey.
“My family lives here. My kids go to school here. I’m not just playing for this team, I’m playing for this community,” Helsley said at a fan meet in June.
And now, that community is worried about whether they’ve lost a piece of their soul in the rebuilding process?
With a complicated financial situation and many holes to fill, the Cardinals have reason to listen to attractive offers for Helsley, who will become a FA at the end of next season. But there are things that can’t be measured by WAR or pitching numbers.
“Keeping Ryan is more than just keeping a pitcher. It’s keeping the Cardinals’ identity, keeping the clubhouse voice, keeping the heart,” one longtime fan wrote on X (Twitter).
The trade frenzy will end at 5 a.m. on August 1 (Vietnam time). And no matter what happens, Ryan Helsley will remain the image of a dedicated warrior – someone who doesn’t want to leave the home he has protected for more than a decade.
“I’m a Cardinal. Wherever I am, I’ll always be.”
– Ryan Helsley