9 mins agoSt. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley is coming off a career year and should be viewed as a high-end relief pitcher in 2025. Last summer, the 30-year-old tallied 49 saves, which led the majors. Across 66 1/3 innings, Helsley held a strong 2.04 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. He struck out batters at an elite 29.7 percent rate (90th percentile) and generated whiffs at a 36.1 percent rate (97th percentile). Helsley also generated a near-perfect 3.7 percent barrel rate, which helped offset his low 37.2 percent ground-ball rate. He also lowered his fly-ball rate to 23.8 percent, which is the second-lowest mark in his career. His slider led the way, generating whiffs at an incredible 51.0 percent with a .194 xBA and a .227 xSLG. However, fantasy managers should expect Helsley to see some regression in his save total. Last season, the Cardinals won 83 games, which means Helsley tallied a save on more than half of their victories, which is unsustainable. In addition, Helsley could become a casualty at the trade deadline as he is in his final year of salary arbitration, which may affect his save opportunities. Nonetheless, slated to operate as the clear ninth-inning option in St. Louis to open the season, makes Helsley a strong option at his 61.8 ADP on the NFBC as an RP1.--Andy Smith - RotoBaller