Potential Blockbuster MLB Powerhouse Trade Could Cause Major Cardinals Move For $81 Million Ace as Deal Looms Ever Close
On Friday afternoon, the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers reportedly reached a trade agreement to send Brewers’ All-Star closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The move stunned the baseball world, as the Brewers had recently dismissed trade rumors involving Williams. Milwaukee was expected to keep him until the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but ultimately decided to deal him now.
The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a similar situation with their own closer, Ryan Helsley. Both Helsley and Williams are on expiring contracts and are considered two of the best closers in the game, playing for teams that might not contend for a World Series in the upcoming season. Could the Brewers and Yankees’ trade set the stage for a potential Helsley trade? The short answer is likely no, but there’s more to consider. Milwaukee’s spending habits differ from St. Louis’, and the Brewers are less likely to re-sign Williams than the Cardinals are Helsley. If St. Louis believes they can retain Helsley, they will likely hold onto him. Helsley is projected to sign a deal worth $81 million in 2025 free agency, according to Spotrac.
Additionally, the Brewers are still close to contention. While they may have lost Willy Adames, Milwaukee doesn’t appear to be in rebuilding mode just yet. If they’re out of the race at the trade deadline, the Brewers could make moves. However, the Williams trade secured a major league starting pitcher and a big-league-ready infielder, not just prospects. In the end, while the situations of Helsley and Williams share some similarities, they differ in others. The Cardinals will likely consider trading Helsley before the deadline, but the Williams trade is unlikely to force their hand.
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