Ryan Helsley struck out three batters in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's win over the Twins.

Fantasy Impact

With a perfect outing, Helsley continues to solidify his role as the Cardinals' closer, showcasing impressive strikeout ability and maintaining a zero in ERA early in the season. His elite K/9 rate and lack of walks make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, and he should be considered a reliable option moving forward.

Ryan Helsley recently stated he has not had any conversations with the Cardinals about a contract extension, per Katie Woo of The Athletic.

Fantasy Impact

Helsley is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season and expressed openness to a long-term deal, but no discussions have taken place. With Chaim Bloom set to take over as president of baseball operations after the season and the team avoiding payroll additions for now, an extension isn’t a priority. Helsley will earn $8.2 million in 2025 and could be a prime trade candidate at the deadline.

Ryan Helsley reached 99 mph in his first spring bullpen session and appears to be incorporating a cutter into his pitch mix. The dominant closer is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign, where he posted a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 79:23 K:BB while leading MLB with 49 saves.

Fantasy Impact

Helsley’s elite velocity is already in midseason form, and the addition of a cutter could make him even tougher on lefties while enhancing the effectiveness of his four-seam fastball. If the pitch leads to more strikeouts, he could elevate his fantasy value even further. Helsley should be drafted as a top-tier closer and remains one of the safest ninth-inning options in all formats.

Ryan Helsley is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Helsley recorded 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA across 66 1/3 innings last season. He will once again be one of the top closers in fantasy baseball this year.

Ryan Helsley notched another save as the Cardinals topped the Giants 6-3.

Fantasy Impact

In his outing, Helsley threw 13 pitches over an inning, allowing just one hit while striking out two. This performance underscores his reliability as a closer this season, where he now boasts 49 saves. With a stellar 2.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP, his ability to maintain high strikeout rates (10.7 K/9) and minimize walks contributes significantly to his fantasy value. Given his consistency and the Cardinals' frequent save opportunities, Helsley remains a top-tier option in all fantasy formats, especially in leagues that heavily reward saves.