Who is the Cardinals’ Closer now that Ryan Helsley is gone?
Helsley, the All-Star closer and flame-throwing anchor of the Cardinals’ bullpen, officially made his Mets debut Friday night after being traded ahead of the deadline. He pitched a high-octane inning, giving up two hits but striking out three — classic Helsley — and nudged his ERA down to 2.92 over 37 appearances this season. His dominance is now New York’s gain. So who is the Cardinals’ Closer now with Helsley gone?
Manager Oli Marmol addressed the looming question with reporters Friday and made it clear: There won’t be just one guy. According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Marmol says St. Louis will lean on a closer-by-committee strategy moving forward.
It’s Not a Simple Fix
That may sound simple on paper, but the situation is layered. JoJo Romero, who’s been one of the bullpen’s most consistent arms, seems like a natural choice.
But there’s a twist. Romero’s currently the only left-hander in the Cardinals’ bullpen, which complicates how and when he can be used.
The bullpen has quietly been one of St. Louis’ biggest strengths this season, even as the team hovers around .500 with a 55-56 record. Despite trading away Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton, the Cardinals still rank sixth in MLB with a 3.51 bullpen ERA — proof that there’s still some solid firepower in the ‘pen.
Sure, losing a guy like Helsley stings — he set a franchise saves record just last year — but the pieces to patch together a reliable ninth-inning plan are already in-house. Names like Romero, John King, and Giovanny Gallegos may all see chances to close.
It won’t be as clean-cut as it was with Helsley, but the Cardinals aren’t looking to throw in the towel just yet. There’s still fight in this group — and just maybe, a new closer will rise from the chaos.
