The St. Louis Cardinals are 9-9 after their first 18 games of the season and have performed much better than originally anticipated thus far.
In the offseason, they chose to hold onto closer Ryan Helsley despite the two-time All-Star receiving a lot of trade interest. The 30-year-old saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals franchise record and earning National League Reliever of the Year honors.
So far this season, Helsley owns a 2.57 ERA and has recorded three saves.
The World Baseball Classic makes its return next spring. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer predicts that Helsley will be a part of Team USA.
"What can we say? We like 100 mph fastballs," Rymer wrote.
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"[Mason] Miller and Helsley have those in abundance, with the former even sitting at 100.3 mph with his heater in 2025. Helsley's average is a relatively paltry 98.7 mph, but he's gotten as high as 101.7 mph."
Helsley will likely be with a different team in 2026. The Cardinals could trade him at the deadline if they are out of contention, and he is a free agent at the end of 2025.
St. Louis likely won't want to sign him to a massive contract. Regardless, he is arguably the game's top closer, and Team USA would receive a significant boost in their bullpen.
Team USA made it to the championship game in 2023, falling just short against Team Japan. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Miles Mikolas and Adam Wainwright, all teammates of Helsley's at the time, were part of Team USA.
Other relievers projected to join Team USA include Mason Miller, Tanner Scott, Josh Hader and St. Louis native Devin Williams.
Helsley can throw hitters off with his high velocity and ability to eclipse 100 MPH. If he joins Team USA, they could have a very high-octane bullpen leading them in the 2026 Classic.
We'll see if Helsley ends up being a part of the team.
More MLB: Cardinals trade idea sends $8.2 million All-Star closer to Braves