Cards could choose to re-sign Helsley instead

[WaltsSuccessor]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

Trade him, get the assets now.

Then just re-sign him this offseason if the price is right.

I believe Goold reported just yesterday that Helsley told the team he'd be interested in coming back even if traded. Cards generally have a strong history of retaining players that want to stay.

Doing this allows them the best of both worlds.

[The Nard]

I’m more of the opinion that relievers, as a group , have a short effective lifespan. I would trade hhim m while he still is so, and plan on someone else to close for 2026. I don’t care who.

[rockondlouie]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

Trade him, get the assets now.

Then just re-sign him this offseason if the price is right.

I believe Goold reported just yesterday that Helsley told the team he'd be interested in coming back even if traded. Cards generally have a strong history of retaining players that want to stay.

Doing this allows them the best of both worlds.

That he did Walt.

Have to wonder if he'd take the BDWJr favorite "Hometown Discount"?

[82birds]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

Closers are bad investments especially if you aren’t a big market team

close to what?
LOL

[Carp4Cy]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

The problem with this is that we are not close.

Bloom certainly knows this.

2027 at the earliest for contention.

Trade Helsley.

A year from now you will be saying 2028 if we don't start making real growth moves. Bloom has to start the actual Building like yesterday or its never going to happen.

[Carp4Cy]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

Closers are bad investments especially if you aren’t a big market team

Could he learn to start?

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-relievers- ... rs-in-2024

[woofy25]

Zero chance the cardinals sign a 30+yr old close to a long-term deal. And I support them not doing so. The regression is already obvious

Closer would be the last place I’d worry too much about age, but it isn’t happening. You are correct

Not to me. I know the Chapman's of the world exist, but Helsley's fastball is already more hittable than it's been in years, and his velocity certainly isn't going to increase. He still has good years left, but I think his elite seasons are behind him. Or, to put it another way, if he gets a 4-5 year deal, he won't be able to live up to it. I like the guy. Hope he dominates for years to come. The statistics suggest that probably won't happen.

[Clubmaker2]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

The problem with this is that we are not close.

Bloom certainly knows this.

2027 at the earliest for contention.

Trade Helsley.

A year from now you will be saying 2028 if we don't start making real growth moves. Bloom has to start the actual Building like yesterday or its never going to happen.

+111111111111111

[Clubmaker2]

Zero chance the cardinals sign a 30+yr old close to a long-term deal. And I support them not doing so. The regression is already obvious

Closer would be the last place I’d worry too much about age, but it isn’t happening. You are correct

Not to me. I know the Chapman's of the world exist, but Helsley's fastball is already more hittable than it's been in years, and his velocity certainly isn't going to increase. He still has good years left, but I think his elite seasons are behind him. Or, to put it another way, if he gets a 4-5 year deal, he won't be able to live up to it. I like the guy. Hope he dominates for years to come. The statistics suggest that probably won't happen.

Well thought out.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

Dumb

[VegasVinny]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

The problem with this is that we are not close.

Bloom certainly knows this.

2027 at the earliest for contention.

Trade Helsley.

This. Although, I’m more concerned it’s 2028. Ownership is already preparing the masses for a punt (2026) heading into a work stoppage (2027). And then (of course) spending can’t come back in 2028 due to missed revenue, and there’ll be a new excuse come 2029, and, by then, half of this board will be in a retirement home far more concerned about finding their dentures.

Feels similar to a COVID-like situation where hopes of a return to ideal footing is not in the short-term future.

[TheJackBurton]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

Helsley stated in an interview he is absolutely keeping the door open to re-signing during UFA. If him getting traded will help the team he is willing to do it.

[Ozziesfan41]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

The problem with this is that we are not close.

Bloom certainly knows this.

2027 at the earliest for contention.

Trade Helsley.

A year from now you will be saying 2028 if we don't start making real growth moves. Bloom has to start the actual Building like yesterday or its never going to happen.

But bloom also knows from his days with the rays that closers are replaceable aren’t a good investment and he will probably spend the money where it could be better spent like on a starter

[Carp4Cy]

If Bloom chooses and convinces DeWitt that we are close, he could choose to re-sign Helsley (Who is reportedly opened to an extension and staying) instead of trading him.

I fear Cardstalk would riot if that happens

The problem with this is that we are not close.

Bloom certainly knows this.

2027 at the earliest for contention.

Trade Helsley.

A year from now you will be saying 2028 if we don't start making real growth moves. Bloom has to start the actual Building like yesterday or its never going to happen.

But bloom also knows from his days with the rays that closers are replaceable aren’t a good investment and he will probably spend the money where it could be better spent like on a starter

Then maybe start spending some already. Then after we can decide who's expendable and save downwards. Otherwise I don't believe Bill's $ will ever actually happen.

[ClassicO]

Closers can be finicky. It seems like half of the ones starting the season as a closer don't end up in the position.
The 2007 Cleveland Indians' Joe Borowski led the league in saves with 45, despite boasting a 5.07 ERA and giving up 77 hits in 65.2 innings. They were a very good team, though.
The 2011Cardinals started the season with Fernando Salas as their closer - and he had 24 saves, but Motte ended up closing out the WS.

In short, I would not give a closer (not named Mariano) a long-term deal.

Just this year, Diaz, Devin Williams, Clase, Helsley, and others have gone downhill.

By way of history, these are the number of pitchers who were successful for an extended time:
One 20-Save Season: 370
Two 20-Save Seasons: 214
Three 20-Save Seasons: 147
Four 20-Save Seasons: 86
Five-plus 20-Save Seasons: 61
Ten-Plus 20-Save Seasons: 14

Only 12 Major League Baseball relievers have recorded more than 30 saves in more than four seasons:
Mariano Rivera (15 seasons)
Trevor Hoffman (14 seasons)
Lee Smith (10 seasons)
Joe Nathan (9 seasons)
Billy Wagner (9 seasons)
Kenley Jansen (8 seasons)
Aroldis Chapman (8 seasons)
Craig Kimbrel (8 seasons)
Jonathan Papelbon (8 seasons)
Francisco Rodríguez (8 seasons)
Troy Percival (8 seasons)
John Wetteland (8 seasons)

[Bomber1]

Closers can be finicky. It seems like half of the ones starting the season as a closer don't end up in the position.
The 2007 Cleveland Indians' Joe Borowski led the league in saves with 45, despite boasting a 5.07 ERA and giving up 77 hits in 65.2 innings. They were a very good team, though.
The 2011Cardinals started the season with Fernando Salas as their closer - and he had 24 saves, but Motte ended up closing out the WS.

In short, I would not give a closer (not named Mariano) a long-term deal.

Just this year, Diaz, Devin Williams, Clase, Helsley, and others have gone downhill.

By way of history, these are the number of pitchers who were successful for an extended time:
One 20-Save Season: 370
Two 20-Save Seasons: 214
Three 20-Save Seasons: 147
Four 20-Save Seasons: 86
Five-plus 20-Save Seasons: 61
Ten-Plus 20-Save Seasons: 14

Only 12 Major League Baseball relievers have recorded more than 30 saves in more than four seasons:
Mariano Rivera (15 seasons)
Trevor Hoffman (14 seasons)
Lee Smith (10 seasons)
Joe Nathan (9 seasons)
Billy Wagner (9 seasons)
Kenley Jansen (8 seasons)
Aroldis Chapman (8 seasons)
Craig Kimbrel (8 seasons)
Jonathan Papelbon (8 seasons)
Francisco Rodríguez (8 seasons)
Troy Percival (8 seasons)
John Wetteland (8 seasons)

That is great information, and thanks for sharing.

Trade Helsley.