The St. Louis Cardinals are rebuilding their roster, and a proposed trade with the New York Yankees could set the stage for a transformative offseason. They have been vocal about their intentions to reboot after two lackluster seasons, including a disappointing 71-91 record in 2023, followed by an 83-79 finish in 2024.
According to reports, the organization is committed to shedding salary, offloading veteran contracts, and focusing on younger talent. Ryan Helsley and Brendan Donovan, while not among the team’s highest-paid players, represent valuable trade assets. Hence, as per rumors, the Cardinals plan to steal a promising starter from the Yankees.
Yankees Luis Gil Emerges Potential Trade Target For Cardinals
The potential deal, which would send closer Ryan Helsley and versatile infielder Brendan Donovan to New York, aims to reshape both teams’ futures. In exchange, the Cardinals would acquire starting pitcher Luis Gil, along with prospects Chase Hampton and Brando Mayea. Helsley, MLB’s save leader in 2024 with 49 saves, has proven himself as one of the league’s most reliable closers. Despite his $3.8 million salary, Helsley’s arbitration eligibility and looming free agency after the 2025 season make him expendable for a team not in immediate contention. Meanwhile, Donovan, a Gold Glove-winning infielder, has been a consistent performer for St. Louis, boasting a .280 career batting average and contributing significantly on both offense and defense.
However, with the emergence of Nolan Gorman, who offers similar skills, Donovan could be a luxury the Cardinals can afford to part with. For the New York Yankees, acquiring Helsley and Donovan would address two key needs. Helsley would provide an elite option at the back of their bullpen, complementing Clay Holmes and giving the Yankees a formidable late-game duo. Meanwhile, Donovan’s defensive versatility and contact-oriented approach at the plate make him an ideal fit for a lineup seeking balance and depth. In return, the Cardinals would receive Luis Gil, the Yankees’ No. 4 starter in 2024. After overcoming Tommy John surgery in 2022, Gil returned with a stellar season, posting a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts across 29 starts. For a Cardinals rotation in flux, Gil could serve as a foundational piece. Additionally, the deal includes two promising prospects: Chase Hampton, ranked No. 6 in the Yankees’ farm system, and Brando Mayea, ranked No. 13.
Why Gil Deserves The AL Rookie Of The Year Award?
The 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year race features some of the league’s most promising talents. Luis Gil delivered a breakout season for the Yankees, stepping up when ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined early. His 15-7 record, 3.50 ERA, and 171 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level.
Leading the AL in opponent batting average (.189) and excelling in strikeouts per nine innings (10.15), Gil was a cornerstone of the New York Yankees’ rotation. His dominance on the mound and rookie-leading 15 wins make a compelling case for the award. Hence, the AL race could come down to Cowser’s all-around excellence versus Gil’s pitching dominance.
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