Helsley surprised Cardinals brought him back: 'I thought I was gone'

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley thought he was going to begin the 2025 campaign in a different uniform.

"I'll be the first to admit, I thought I was gone for sure," Helsley said, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

"I mean, if it's a reset, and this is my walk year, I thought I would be first to go. I was kind of surprised they brought me back."

Helsley's name was featured prominently in offseason trade rumors after the Cardinals publicly announced their intentions to go in a different direction during their final season under the guidance of front-office executive John Mozeliak. Mozeliak is being replaced by former Boston Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom following the 2025 campaign and the franchise is expected to give more playing time to younger players.

Helsley, third baseman Nolan Arenado - who used his no-trade clause to nix a deal to the Houston Astros - starters Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas, and catcher-turned-first baseman Willson Contreras appeared as if they would be on the move. Instead, the Cardinals entered the season with all of them on the roster and are attempting to remain competitive while building toward the future at the same time.

"We are walking two parallel paths," Mozeliak said. "We have a younger club that has some uncertainty in how they're going to play, but if it clicks, it could be pretty good. But on that other parallel track, we are looking to build for the future."

Helsley saved a league-leading 49 games for the Cardinals in 2024 and is entering the final year of his contract before free agency. He's pitched well in 2025, striking out six in three innings without allowing a run.