Cardinals Reportedly Shopping Helsley, Maton, Matz Amid MLB Trade Rumors At Deadline

Despite being three games over .500 and in the mix for a wild card spot in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to take advantage of the number of contending teams seeking bullpen help prior to the trade deadline.

According to The Athletic's Katie Woo, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has called opposing teams to inform them that Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton, and Steven Matz are all available.

The Cardinals are in the midst of a difficult stretch that has seen them lost 12 of 19 games in July. They went from being three games back in the NL Central at the start of the month to eight games behind the Milwaukee Brewers entering play on Saturday.

All three relievers being shopped are set to become free agents after this season. This is a market in which bullpen arms could bring back a good return because of how many teams are looking to add help.

Using ESPN's Jeff Passan's breakdown of where all 30 teams stand leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, there are at least 11 clubs with relief pitching listed among their biggest needs.

Helsley's track record pitching at the end of games could help increase his value. The right-hander hasn't been as dominant this year as he was in 2024, but he's on pace to average more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings for the fourth consecutive season.

Maton has generally had big platoon split throughout his career with a .753 OPS allowed to left-handed hitters (.683 vs. righties), but he has been very good against both so far in 2025 (.582 vs. righties, .608 vs. lefties).

Matz's success depends on when he's not giving up home runs. He's done a good job of keeping the ball in the park this season with four homers allowed in 53 innings, but right-handed hitters have hit him hard (.296/.326/.440 in 132 plate appearances).

The next few days could also have an impact on what the Cardinals want to do. They have won their first two games of a four-game series against the San Diego Padres, who lead them by 1.5 games for the final playoff spot in the NL, this weekend.

St. Louis starts next week with a three-game series against the Miami Marlins before the trade deadline. There's a chance the Cardinals could be in playoff position by July 31, which might make it hard for them to sell off each of their top three relievers.