Every year, or at least every year since 2012, we’ve taken some time after the season was over to look at the past 162 games through the lens of the players that played them (and the management that was in charge of them). Last year, the Exit Interview series spent less time digging into splits and finding numerical oddities and more time reflecting on the player and their season. It was a style that seemed to work so we’re going to bring it back again this year. The legendary cardinalsgifs is back to bring us excellent series art, so it’s all downhill after you see that!
Player: Ryan Helsley
Stats: 7-4, 49 SV, 65 G, 66.1 IP, 50 H, 3 HR, 23 BB, 79 K, 2.04 ERA, 2.41 FIP, 1.101 WHIP, 3.0 bWAR
Statcast: 3.7% barrel, 36.6% sweet spot, 114.3 max exit velocity, .243 wOBA, .257 xwOBA, 29,7 K%, 8.6 BB%
Grade: A
You really have to get out the fine tooth comb to find anything wrong with the season Helsley had. He blew his first save, but the team rallied to win and he then rattled off 31 more before he blew another one. He gave up three homers: to Mookie Betts, Cardinal killer Ian Happ, and Cody Bellinger. (I guess it would be a negative to give up two-thirds of your homers to the Cubs.) He didn’t give up an unearned run after August 6. He set the team record for most saves in a season. He had two or more strikeouts in an outing 28 times. It was just a dominant overall season.
He even stayed healthy, which is not something he’s always been able to do. In 2024 he was one of the few Cardinals that didn’t miss any time for any reason. There was just something so comforting about knowing the ninth inning was in good hands when the Cardinals had a lead. While the difference between 2023 and 2024 for the team wasn’t entirely due to his efforts, he played a huge part in them. Him playing in 32 more games this season definitely had a role in the Cardinals winning 12 more games. Helsley probably won’t get many Cy Young votes but he was the leading candidate for team MVP.
What’s in store for 2025: All of this greatness is why the chances are really, really good that he won’t be with the team next season. He has one year left on his deal, he’s coming off a dominant performance, and he’s one of the few Cardinals that would bring back significant value should he be put on the trade block. My Musial co-host isn’t going to be happy when it happens, but a Helsley trade seems to be one thing you can guarantee about this winter.
