Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals have a tough decision to make with their star closer Ryan Helsley.

Per Spotrac, he is projected to sign for $81 million when he hits free agency following this season. It goes without saying that the Cardinals most likely won’t re-sign him for that kind of money, so in all likelihood, this will be his last season in St. Louis.

However, according to the St Louis Post’s Derrick Goold, Helsley is open to an extension in St Louis. 

“There’s a lot packed into this series of questions,” Goold wrote. “Let’s try to tackle it one by one. 1) At last check, they are not, but that does not mean that the ship has passed. Helsley remains open to that conversation, and as long as he is open to it the possibility exists for the team to engage in the talks. 2) The highest paid reliever right now is around $20m, and believe you’re looking at more than $16m for Helsley, so adjust the offer accordingly around a 4-year, 5th option or 5-year deal.”

Coming into June, Helsley was 13 for 15 on save attempts. But the righty has blown each of his last three save attempts due to six hits and three earned runs in three innings this month.

This won’t completely tank his trade value, as he is still one of the hottest closers in all of baseball, and slumps happen.

Also, at 36-30 and just four games back of the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs, St. Louis could find itself as buyers, not sellers, at this year’s trade deadline.

Helsley feels like the Cardinals’ best potential trade chip given his 3.75 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 28 strikeouts to 12 walks, and 13 saves over 24 outings. Every contender could use another flamethrower in the back end of their bullpen, and the Cardinals’ current closer fits that profile.