Ex-Cardinals Flamethrower Says He Never Wanted to Leave St. Louis
Former St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has made it clear that he didn’t want to leave the organization, despite being traded to the New York Mets at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
The Cardinals dealt Helsley along with Steven Matz and Phil Maton as the team shifted out of playoff contention. Helsley, who spent his entire career in the Cardinals’ system before the trade, discussed the move during an appearance with Jim Hayes and Kyle Gibson on Cardinal Territory.
“I definitely wanted to stay a Cardinal,” Helsley said. “That’s all I ever knew. I was there for parts of 11 years — seven in the majors and four in the minors. I had been part of trade talks before, but this time, it felt inevitable. I saw it coming.”
He acknowledged that while the trade wasn’t a surprise, it still felt strange adjusting to a new environment.
“Being in New York was fun, and I tried to make an impact,” Helsley said. “I don’t think I put extra pressure on myself, but I did expect more from myself. I felt good physically, but the results weren’t there. It was a weird feeling — being on such a talented team making a playoff push.”
Despite a rough second half, Helsley remains one of the top relievers on the free-agent market. A short-term contract could help him rebuild value — and St. Louis is among the teams that could benefit from bringing him back.
If Helsley is still interested in returning, the Cardinals have an opportunity to reunite with a pitcher who not only excelled on the mound, but clearly valued his time in St. Louis.
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