[rink23]

The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to make a splash before the trade deadline and they may have done it dealing C/!B Willson Contreras and closer Ryan Helsley, along with minor-league pitcher Henry Gomez, to the Athletics in exchange for corner outfielder Lawrence Butler.
A sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft, the 25-year-old Butler broke into the majors in 2023 and earned a full-time starting job in 2024.
That season, he hit .262 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs in 125 games/105 starts.
In 2025, Butler earned a spot on the American League All-Star team and for the year has hit .274 with 21 home runs and 61 RBIs in 89 games.
The National League's top reliever in 2024, Helsley had a good first month of the season but has struggled since.
For the season Helsley, who will be a free agent at season's end, is 2-5 with 20 saves and a 5.72 ERA in 32 games.
Signed by the Cardinals following the retirement of Yadier Molina after the 2023 season, Contreras has struggled behind the plate and was expected to split his time between first base/catcher and designated hitter this season.
It has not worked well.
In 88 games/85 starts, Contreras has hit .232 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs.
This while, being expected to be paid $18M through the 2028 season.
Signed as an international free agent in 2018, the right-handed throwing Gomez is nothing more than a throw in to his deal.
The 23-year-old has spent this season at AA Springfield where he has pitched in 28 games going 304 with 15 saves and a 3.09 ERA.