At the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals may bolster their bullpen with Gregory Soto, currently with the Baltimore Orioles. Soto, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as a reliable reliever with a career total of 55 saves and 376 strikeouts since debuting in 2019. His fastball, consistently clocked between 94-99 mph, complements a devastating breaking slider, making him a formidable asset for the Cardinals alongside Ryan Helsley.

With the Cardinals' current standings at 47-40 and vying for a Wild Card spot, acquiring Soto could create a dynamic duo in their bullpen, mirroring successful pitching pairings across the league. This potential move reflects the Cardinals' commitment to make a playoff push, especially after Soto’s previous contributions to playoff runs with different teams.

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently 47-40, sitting four games behind the division-leading team in the National League Central. The team has exceeded early season expectations and is positioned not only for a division title but also for a Wild Card playoff berth if they maintain their performance.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals face tough decisions, particularly regarding players like Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley. Moving Helsley, who has struggled this season yet has a strong market due to his playoff experience, could be a strategic move. Though he has a 3.41 ERA and has allowed more home runs this year than in the previous two combined, many contenders view him as a valuable asset for the postseason. The upcoming month will be crucial for determining how the Cardinals navigate these roster decisions.

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, speculation intensifies around potential trades. Notable names in the trade market include Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, who has shown consistent performance but is evolving his game. Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, a top starter, could be moved as they assess their roster options. Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is enjoying a stellar season, while teammates Merrill Kelly and Sandy Alcantara are also attracting interest. The St. Louis Cardinals have their own considerations with Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley, each with different scenarios influencing their future.

The market could shift rapidly, influenced by team standings and the impending postseason. Players like Cedric Mullins and Mitch Keller are also under the microscope, along with others who may not have been on this initial list. With every team evaluating their potential for postseason contention, the next few weeks promise significant changes across the league.

The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for the trade deadline with a keen focus on revamping their bullpen. With José Alvarado potentially sidelined due to a PED suspension that will exclude him from postseason play, the team's relief pitching has struggled, currently holding a 4.63 ERA, ranking fifth-worst in MLB. To address this gap, experts Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan have suggested that the Phillies could pursue St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley, who boasts a stellar record but has had a less impressive season with a 3.67 ERA. Helsley, in a contract year, previously led MLB with 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA, making him an appealing target for Philadelphia's struggling relief corps.

Despite the potential fit, the Cardinals, currently competing for a Wild Card spot with a 43-36 record, may be reluctant to part ways with Helsley. His uneven performance this season, marked by a higher-than-normal home run rate, raises questions about his value. However, if the Cardinals decide to lean toward a rebuilding phase, Helsley could be a valuable asset for the Phillies as they aim for playoff contention.

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and the St. Louis Cardinals are poised to be key players in the market, particularly regarding their pitching staff. Among the names being discussed, closer Ryan Helsley stands out as a leading candidate to be traded, ranked No. 23 among prospects with a 30% chance of departure. This season, Helsley has struggled, as evidenced by his 1.444 WHIP, suggesting a decline in performance. The Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, and Diamondbacks could be potential suitors, all of whom are in contention for the wild card.

Additionally, Phil Maton could step into the closer role should Helsley be traded; he has shown reliability this season. The Cardinals may also look to trade Erick Fedde and Steven Matz, with Fedde showing a 50% chance of being moved, especially with his performance regressing this year. Matz, on the other hand, has improved his command but carries injury concerns. The Cardinals, currently performing well, might also consider adding to their roster, depending on how the trade landscape unfolds.