St. Louis Cardinals closerRyan Helsley picked up his sixth save of the season on Monday, securing the 6-3 victoryover the Pirates. It wasn't a clean inning, though, as two runners reached base via singles, but a groundout and two strikeouts ended Pittsburgh's threat. With a 3.46 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, the righty hasn't been quite as dominant as lastyear, but is in one of the more stable back-end bullpen situations in the league, which makes him one of the more valuable relieversfor fantasy. However, the 30-year-old also picked up a save on Sunday, so pitchingback-to-back nights may open the door for anotherreliever to pick up a save on Tuesday if the situation arises.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley closed the door on the Mets in Sunday's 6-5 victory in Game 1 of their doubleheader, notching his fifth save of the season in the process. The righty did allow and hit and threw a wild pitch that made things interesting, but New York was unable to push across a run to tie the game. Helsley was the league leader in saves in 2024 with 49, along with a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 21.1 percent K-BB%, but things haven't gone quite so well in 2025. The 30-year-old owns a 3.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 5.7 percent K-BB%. It's still early, but the Cardinals may not win as many games as they did last year, leaving fewer save chances, and with good-but-not-great numbers, it doesn't appear Helsley will be as strong a contributor for fantasy as he was last season. That being said, he's still in one of the better situations in the league as the unquestioned closer for his team, and hopefully he can improve his strikeout and walk ratios as the season progresses.

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley held on to the Cardinals' 4-1 lead in their series finale win over the Astros on Wednesday to earn his third save of the season. He did issue a walk but stranded Isaac Paredes at first base after retiring Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz to end the game. Helsley hasn't been completely clean with either a walk or a hit allowed in all but one of his seven games. However, he has only given up a run in one of those outings and converted three of his four save opportunities on the season. After getting back to .500 with their win on Wednesday, the Cardinals head to New York for a four-game set with the Mets starting on Thursday night.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley had a blown save on Sunday in Game 1 of their doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox. Helsley entered the ninth inning with a two-run lead and allowed two runs on one hit while walking four batters and striking out two. The Cardinals would eventually fall to the Red Sox 5-4 in the 10th inning. The four walks were unlike him, as he had an 8.6 percent walk rate in 2024, and these were the first free passes he has allowed in his four innings of work thus far in 2025. Look for Helsley and the Cardinals to get back on track as they start a series on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley tossed a shutout inning en route to earning the save on Opening Day in their victory against the Minnesota Twins. Helsley struck out the first two batters he saw before allowing a two-out double to outfielder Harrison Bader. However, Helsley returned to form and struck out Matt Wallner to get the final out. Last season, Helsley was one of the most valuable relief pitchers in fantasy as he tallied 49 saves, the most in the National League. Across 66 1/3 innings, he posted a 2.04 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. He tallied 79 punchouts but held a modest 8.6 percent walk rate. Helsley also generated an elite 3.7 percent barrel rate and a 36,1 percent whiff rate. Even though the Cardinals may not be competing for the NL Central title this season, Helsley should see every save opportunity in St. Louis and remains a must-start option in all formats.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley set a franchise record and led the majors with 49 saves in 2024 before getting a raise in salary arbitration from $3.5 million last year to $8.2 million in 2025. Helsley was a prime trade candidate in the offseason heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 and with the Cardinals looking to shed payroll, but general manager John Mozeliak fully intended to hang onto him to keep a rebuilding club competitive. However, the two sides have not started any extension talks, and depending on the team's performance, the 30-year-old could come up in trade rumors at this year's deadline. With Mozeliak stepping down after the 2025 season and adviser Chaim Bloom taking over baseball operations, this could very well be Helsley's last year in St. Louis. Regardless of Helsley's potential future, he should be viewed as a lock as a top-10 fantasy closer in 2025.

According to Jeff Jones of BND.com, the St. Louis Cardinals and right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley are not having contract conversations. Helsley said he was "almost certain" he was going to be traded during the winter due to a lack of contract discussions. The relief pitcher noted, "But you know, at the same time, it's a two-way street, and if only one side wants it, it's not going to work out." Throughout the offseason, the Cardinals have been shopping several top players, including third baseman Nolan Arenado, in hopes to clear salary. In addition, starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz have also been around trade discussions. Last season, the 30-year-old was one of the top closers in the sport, as he posted a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 49 saves across 66 1/3 innings of work. For now, fantasy managers should expect Helsley to operate as the clear ninth-inning option in St. Louis but could find himself on the trade block if they fall out of the playoff picture.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the St. Louis Cardinals are no longer actively shopping closer Ryan Helsley. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said that, "It's something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have (Helsley) be part of our organization." While Helsley was drawing interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays earlier this offseason, it appears the Cardinals would prefer to hold onto their closer for the time being. However, if they fall out of the playoff race early on, they may entertain conversations closer to the trade deadline. Last season, the 30-year-old tallied a career-high 49 saves with a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Under the hood, he generated a stellar 29.7% K rate and 3.7% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should view Helsley as a high-end closer heading into the 2025 season.

According to Mark Feinsand, Bryan Hoch, and John Denton of MLB.com, St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley is drawing interest from several clubs, including the Toronto Blue Jays and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The three insiders noted that the Cardinals are looking for a "reset" in 2025, and moving one of their top players could allow them to acquire a top prospect. Last season, the right-hander tallied the most saves in the major leagues (49) and pitched to the tune of a 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Across 66 1/3 innings, Helsley generated a stellar 2.72 xERA with a 36.1% whiff rate and 29.7% K rate. Helsley should be viewed as a top relief pitcher heading into the 2025 season, as he would be the go-to ninth-inning option wherever he calls home next summer.

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding stage this offseason, but teams that have talked to the Cardinals have come away with the impression that they will not trade closer Ryan Helsley. "It's something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have him be part of our organization," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. Helsley is entering his age-30 season and is projected to earn $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. His value is as high as it will probably ever be after he saved a league-high 49 games in 53 chances in 2024 on his way to winning the award for best closer in the National League. Helsley also had a strong 2.04 ERA in his 66 1/3 frames. The Cardinals are open to trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, but they aren't expected to go for a full teardown. The Cardinals also aren't considering moving Helsley to their starting rotation.

The St. Louis Cardinals are not considering moving closer Ryan Helsley into their starting rotation for the 2025 season. Helsley was a starting pitcher as a prospect in the minor leagues, but he has yet to make a start at the major-league with the Cardinals in his six years with the team. He made his second All-Star team in 2024 and was outstanding in the ninth-inning role, posting a league-high 49 saves, a 2.04 ERA (2.41 FIP), 1.10 WHIP, 79 strikeouts and 23 walks in 66 1/3 relief innings. The 30-year-old veteran is entering his final year for salary arbitration, so the Cardinals are reportedly considering dealing him this winter. If Helsley sticks with the Red Birds for the 2025 campaign and in the closer's role, the right-handed reliever will be a high-end fantasy closing option yet again.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley earned his MLB-leading 38th save on Saturday night in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Helsley threw a perfect ninth inning and earned a strikeout as well. The veteran has four wins, 38 saves, a 2.61 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts in 51 innings. Helsley has three saves in three consecutive appearances for the Cardinals. The key to the resurgent season for Helsley has been a return to health for the big right-hander. He will look to keep his dominant season going in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley retired all three batters he faced to earn the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs. He entered the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. The 30-year-old needed just nine pitches to earn his 34th save of the season. Helsley now leads the major leagues in saves and owns a 2.64 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 54:19 K: BB over 47 2/3 innings. Helsley has been one of baseball's best closers, and fantasy managers should continue to roll with him in all leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley had a rare off night on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits to blow the save and take the loss in a 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. The fireballer allowed a one-out solo homer to Cody Bellinger and then unraveled after he recorded the second out, giving up three hits including a walk-off two-run double to pinch-hitter Mike Tauchman. All of Helsley's pitch data looked good in this one, so it's probably just a blip on the radar. He has been fantastic this year and leads the MLB with 33 saves, so it's tough to complain about one bad outing.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley converted his 33rd save of the season in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Pirates. Helsley came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one and locked things down by striking out the side. The 30-year-old has been one of baseball's and fantasy's top closers this season, converting all but two save opportunities with a 2.25 ERA, a 10.84 K/9 rate, and a 3.68 BB/9 rate. He currently has the most saves in baseball and should continue to provide top fantasy value in the second half, especially if the Cardinals continue to play well.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said the reason closer Ryan Helsley (hip) declined to pitch in the All-Star game earlier this week was due to nagging hip tightness. Helsley alerted the team to the pain, and they decided it would be better for him to rest up for the second half of the season. The Cardinals' series opener on Friday against the hosting Atlanta Braves was postponed due to inclement weather, but Helsley is available to pitch for Saturday's doubleheader. It's something worth watching for the lockdown 30-year-old closer in the second half of the season, but fantasy managers obviously need to keep him in their starting lineups. Helsley made his second All-Star team this year by recording a league-high 32 saves to go along with a 2.36 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and 17 walks in 42 innings out of the bullpen.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley said that he's unlikely to pitch in the All-Star game on Tuesday and instead wants to take a break so that he's well-rested for the start of the second half of the season on Friday. As a result, Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan will take Helsley's place on the National League roster. Helsley isn't injured at all but just wants to monitor his workload after throwing 42 innings in the first half. The 29-year-old has been brilliant in 2024 and leads the league with a career-high 32 saves, but he's on pace to easily set a new career-high in innings pitched, with his previous career-high in innings in the majors coming in 2022 (64 2/3). Along with his league-leading 32 saves, Helsley has a 2.36 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 48 K's and has become an elite fantasy closer.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley continued his stellar season on Tuesday, earning his 31st save in a 7-4 win over the Pirates. Helsley came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by three and delivered a 1-2-3 outing with a strikeout. Helsley provided fantasy value in his last several seasons but has taken another step this season, converting a league-best 31 saves in 32 opportunities with a 2.54 ERA, a 10.85 K/9 rate, and a 3.69 BB/9 rate in 39 innings pitched. The Cardinals have been playing better baseball lately, which should give Helsley plenty of opportunities to provide further fantasy value.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley tossed a clean ninth inning to secure a 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants. Helsley ran into a bit of trouble, allowing a walk and a single, but got out of it without damage. The 29-year-old now has a league-leading 25 saves and has blown only one, which came in his first opportunity of the season back in March. Helsley should continue to be an elite fantasy option and provide solid ratios, strikeouts, and plenty of saves the rest of the way.

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley allowed two runs on four hits in one inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. Helsley entered the game in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. The 29-year-old surrendered back-to-back hits before retiring Ian Happ for the first out in the ninth. He later got Seiya Suzuki to fly out but yielded two runs before retiring Christopher Morel for the final out of the game. It was the first earned runs Helsley had allowed since April 8. He owns a 1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts over 23 innings in 2024. Helsley has been one of the top closers in baseball, and fantasy managers should continue to start him in all leagues.