5 Cardinals Players With the Best Chances to Make the All-Star Game

Ryan Helsley, RHP

Giovanny Gallegos, Genesis Cabrera, Jordan Hicks and Alex Reyes were the names to watch in the bullpen going into the year. However, now we are getting close to halfway through the season, and we should’ve had Helsey in that conversation.

Helsey has taken on his role in the bullpen this year with so much more confidence than what I’ve seen from him in the past. He’s gained control over his fastball, he’s got his stuff breaking, and he is able to go in and finish the inning.

The Case For Ryan Helsley

Ryan Helsley, by this point, should probably be the Cardinals closer. He’s not, but he should be. This season, he is third among relievers with a WAR of 1.2. He is 12th among relievers with a 12.60 K/9 and and third in ERA.

Helsley only has five saves to his name so far this season, but that shouldn’t nor does it take away from just how good he has been for the Cardinals this season. He definitely could benefit from taking on the closer role, but they like to rotate closers and maximize matchups, so Helsley hasn’t gotten many chances.

I expect that if Helsley keeps this up, sooner or later he’ll get the closer role.

The Case Against

As I was saying above, the Cardinals have yet to give him a true chance for the closer spot which could be a downfall to him. He doesn’t have the save numbers to really back it up. He hasn’t proven anything before this season either, so his name may not be big enough for people to vote him in.

Helsley’s been excellent this year, but he hadn’t done much prior to this season. So his name doesn’t really pop to other teams fanbases who are also voting.