Will the Detroit Tigers land both Nolan Arenado AND Ryan Helsley?
The Detroit Tigers are making waves in MLB trade deadline chatter — and the latest rumor is a big one. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Tigers are predicted to land both Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals in a major deal before the deadline. With Detroit holding a commanding 62-46 record and a nine-game lead in the AL Central, the timing couldn’t be better for a contender looking to go all-in.
“Tigers will land Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals,” Bowden predicted Tuesday.
We postulated Arenado to the Tigers well before this, albeit we didn’t expect to see Helsley included too.
Power Shift?
This potential trade could immediately shift the power balance in the American League. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glover and seven-time All-Star, may not be having a vintage season at the plate. His 2025 numbers sit at a .663 OPS with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. Although his elite defense and leadership would instantly upgrade Detroit’s infield.
Meanwhile, Ryan Helsley remains one of the most valuable bullpen arms available on the trade market. The 31-year-old has logged a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves over 36 innings this season. While his WHIP and hard contact rate have ticked up, Helsley’s ability to close games with his high-velocity fastball-slider combo makes him a strong addition to any playoff bullpen.
Helsley fully expects to be on another team before the end of July.
Will Arenado approve a trade to the Detroit Tigers?
Of course, there are hurdles. Arenado’s contract — which carries more than $52 million in guaranteed salary through 2027 — and full no-trade clause are significant. Still, a move to a legitimate contender like Detroit could appeal to the veteran third baseman, especially given the Cardinals’ recent slide out of the NL playoff race.
Helsley, set to hit free agency this winter, may be more likely to move, and his value could fetch a solid return for a retooling St. Louis front office.
If Detroit does pull off this rumored blockbuster, it would mark one of the boldest moves of the deadline — and send a clear message to the rest of the American League: the Tigers are hunting a pennant.
Who would close for the Cardinals if Helsley is traded?
