St. Louis Cardinals’ All-Star Closer Ryan Helsley Opens Up About Potential Extension
March 3, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for another competitive season, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team is the future of their All-Star closer, Ryan Helsley. With free agency looming, the hard-throwing right-hander has spoken publicly for the first time about his contract situation and the possibility of signing a long-term extension with the organization.
Helsley Addresses His Future in St. Louis
Helsley, 30, has been a dominant force at the back end of the Cardinals’ bullpen, earning All-Star honors and establishing himself as one of the most reliable closers in baseball. However, as his contract nears its end, speculation has grown regarding his long-term future with the team.
In a recent interview, Helsley acknowledged that extension talks have taken place but emphasized that his primary focus remains on helping the Cardinals succeed.
“There’s been some dialogue, and I love playing here in St. Louis,” Helsley said. “The fans, the organization, and my teammates have made this a great place to be. Right now, my job is to go out there and compete, and if something happens, it happens.”
Negotiations and Market Value
While Helsley has expressed a willingness to stay, contract talks between elite relievers and their teams are often complex. Helsley’s performance over the past few seasons has placed him among the top-tier closers in Major League Baseball, and with that status comes a significant market value.
League sources suggest that a potential extension could land in the range of four to five years, with an average annual value between $14–18 million. Comparable deals signed by top-tier relievers such as Josh Hader and Edwin Díaz in recent years set a precedent for what Helsley could command.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak addressed the situation but remained non-committal on whether a deal is imminent.
“Ryan has been a huge part of our success, and we’d love to keep him here long-term,” Mozeliak said. “We’re always looking at ways to strengthen our roster, and we’ll continue discussions to see if we can find a solution that works for both sides.”
What This Means for the Cardinals’ Future
Keeping Helsley in St. Louis would solidify the back end of the bullpen for years to come, giving the Cardinals a reliable closer to anchor their pitching staff. However, if an extension isn’t reached, the team may need to explore alternative options, whether through internal development or external acquisitions.
The Cardinals have several young arms in their system, including fireballer Gordon Graceffo and promising reliever Tekoah Roby, who could be future bullpen contributors. But replacing an elite closer like Helsley would be no easy task, especially if the team hopes to remain competitive in a tough National League Central division.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Cardinals fans have been vocal about their desire to see Helsley remain in St. Louis, with many taking to social media to express their support.
“Pay the man!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s been lights out for us, and we can’t afford to let him walk.”
Baseball analysts have also weighed in, with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi stating, “Helsley’s value on the open market would be massive. If the Cardinals can lock him up now, they could avoid a bidding war down the road.”
What’s Next?
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the Cardinals and Helsley’s camp will likely continue discussions in hopes of reaching a resolution. For now, Helsley remains focused on his performance, knowing that every dominant outing only strengthens his case for a lucrative deal.
Whether he signs an extension or eventually tests free agency, one thing is clear—Ryan Helsley will be one of the most sought-after relievers in baseball, and his decision will have major implications for the Cardinals’ future.
