Cardinals, Ryan Helsley and MLB trade deadline
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This trade proposal sees the Detroit Tigers land two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
This story was excerpted from John Denton’s Cardinals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Texas Rangers have been linked to both Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed closer David Bednar and St. Louis Cardinals right-handed closer Ryan Helsley
Fairbanks isn’t quite the same pitcher he was in 2023, when he struck out 68 in 45 innings. His strikeout rate has dropped, but he still keeps the ball on the ground and limits barrels as well as anyone. The Rays hold a team option for 2026, so they won’t feel pressured to deal him unless the return is strong.