4 trade packages that could entice the Cardinals to move Ryan Helsley this offseason

With rumors swirling of payroll cuts, what return would closer Ryan Helsley fetch if traded this offseason? With plenty of teams likely to be interested, he would surely be a hot name on the market if shopped.

St. Louis Cardinals v San Francisco Giants
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Kansas City Royals

The other team in Missouri is in the middle of a postseason run but it's never too early to look forward to next season. Relief pitcher Lucas Erceg has done a solid job since taking over the closer duties, but acquiring Helsley and allowing Erceg to drop back to setup would give them a special combo at the backend of their bullpen.

While the Royals may lack top-flight prospects outside of 1B/LHP Jac Caglianone and C Blake Mitchell, they do have some intriguing players in their top 30 who should be MLB-level talents if they continue to develop.

Starting the haul from the Royals would be 18-year-old LHP David Shields, drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft he has a solid fastball that misses bats and should get better as he matures, an above-average slider and a good feel for his changeup. A former quarterback, Shields is very athletic on the mound and it should help him in his development. He has all the tools to be a top-of-the-rotation arm and will be given all the time he needs to fulfill that potential.

The second piece of the trade is 3B/SS Austin Charles, standing 6'5" the 20-year-old might be the best athlete in the Royals system. Having a plus arm and untapped power at the plate, Charles slashed .257/.353/.386 with 29 extra-base hits and 36 stolen bases in 117 games in Single-A last season. A versatile defender he was moved to third base due to the Royals' depth at shortstop, he also could transition to the outfield if needed. Like Shields he has all the tools needed to make the majors, he will just need time to develop as he continues to grow into his body.

The final piece of the deal is someone with the potential to be the next Helsley in RHP L.P. Langevin. A fourth-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Langevin finished third in NCAA Division I in strikeout rate at 15.2 per nine innings. Possessing a plus-fastball that hitters have trouble barreling thanks to his low arm slot, he also has a solid slider and changeup that he uses to keep hitters off-balance at the plate. While he did start some in college, Langevin will be a relief pitcher as a professional with all signs leading to him becoming a closer in the majors.

Royals trade: LHP David Shields, 3B/SS Austin Charles and RHP L.P. Langevin
Cardinals trade: RHP Ryan Helsley

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