Helsley: Cardinals 'don't know if they want to keep me long term'

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley is unsure what the future holds for him after a recent conversation with the organization concerning trade rumors.

"They say they love having me here in St. Louis. With the way things have gone this last year, they like me where I'm at (financially), but they don't know if they want to keep me long term," the closer told MLB.com's John Denton.

"Now, with (John Mozeliak) leaving, that's something that is going to have to be talked about, too, but we haven't crossed that bridge. I know and they know this will be something that has to be decided from a business standpoint."

Helsley has been mentioned in trade rumors this winter after a 49-save campaign earned him National League Reliever of the Year honors for the Cardinals in 2024.

The 30-year-old is expected to receive a big jump in salary because of his success, which could price him out of St. Louis. The Cardinals are expected to reduce payroll and focus on their young core with Chaim Bloom taking over as president of baseball operations following the 2025 season.

Helsley has been one of baseball's top relievers since 2022. He's amassed the second-most reliever fWAR (5.8) during that span, which has also included a 1.83 ERA, 12.1 K/9, and 82 saves.