Cardinals Trade Ryan Helsley, Retain Sandy Alcántara Amid Deadline Moves

The St. Louis Cardinals were active at the MLB trade deadline, trading closer Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets for a package of prospects including infielder Jesus Baez and pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt, signaling a rebuild focus. Helsley, a top closer and soon-to-be free agent, had anticipated the trade as the Cardinals shifted to a seller's posture amid a disappointing season. Additionally, Steven Matz was traded to the Boston Red Sox for prospect Blaze Jordan, and Phil Maton was sent to the Texas Rangers to bolster the bullpen. Meanwhile, former Cardinals ace Sandy Alcántara, now with the Miami Marlins, was the subject of intense trade speculation due to his uneven season and recovery from Tommy John surgery; although no deal materialized by the deadline, the Marlins may revisit trading him in the offseason, with the Cardinals potentially interested in reuniting. In the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals are reportedly exploring trades to strengthen quarterback Kyler Murray's receiving corps, including targeting Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who would bring youth and upside to an otherwise modest supporting cast. These moves reflect both teams' efforts to reshape their rosters amid competitive pressures and strategic recalibrations.