The makeup of the St. Louis Cardinals will likely take a major shift between now and spring training.

The Cardinals are in the middle of what will likely be a years-long rebuild. Over the last two years, many key contributors and veterans for St. Louis have been tied in trade rumors, including multi-time All-Stars like third baseman Nolan Arenado and right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray.

At this past season's trade deadline, St. Louis shipped one of its best veterans to the New York Mets.

The Cardinals shipped 2024 National League Reliever of the Year to the Mets in return for shortstop Jesus Baez, right-handed pitcher Frank Elissalt and right-handed pitcher Nate Dohm on July 30.

Helsley didn't have a successful stint with New York. He posted a 7.20 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched across 22 appearances.

Helsley is currently a free agent and recently made an appearance on the Cards Territory podcast. The two-time All-Star didn't rule out a return to St. Louis.

"I think I would expect them to reach out," Helsley said on the podcast. "I don't know if it will be serious, but maybe to check in and gauge the waters, so to speak. I had a good talk with (president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom) after I was traded and was really encouraging on possibly, maybe coming back there. Obviously things change. That was three months ago. But I really enjoyed my time getting to know Chaim a little bit and think the Cardinals' future is in really good hands with him."

Before this year, Helsley spent the entirety of his professional career with the Cardinals. He was picked in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft and made his professional debut in 2019.

Helsley made the All-Star game twice in 2022 and '24. On top of winning the Reliever of the Year award in '24, Helsley was named first-team All-MLB and led the majors in saves. 

Before Helsley was dealt to the Mets, he had a 3.00 ERA and fanned 41 batters in 36 innings pitched across 30 appearances.

The biggest question for a potential Helsley reunion with St. Louis is how much money he would return for and how he could factor in the team's future plans.

At best, Helsley will be able to return to his All-Star form with the Cardinals and at worst, he could prove to be a mentor for youngers pitchers that rise in the system,.

RELATED CARDINALS STORIES

MLB INSIDER DISCUSSES TRADE STATUS FOR CARDINALS VETERANS: The Cardinals will likely attempt to move on from Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray this offseason. CLICK HERE

CARDINALS RELIEVER NAMED TO MLB PIPELINE ALL-ROOKIE TEAM: Matt Svanson, a former 13th-round draft pick, was recognized for his stellar debut season for the Cardinals. CLICK HERE

SEVERAL CARDINALS MINOR LEAGUERS SET TO HIT FREE AGENCY: Several former major leaguers are set to hit the open market. CLICK HERE

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