The Cardinals counted on right-handed flamethrower Ryan Helsley to provide an unflappable, even-keeled presence on the mound late in tight ballgames.
Well, the Major League Baseball arbitration process certainly left the Cardinals' All-Star closer with ruffled feathers about a process that he wished were different.
The Cardinals won their arbitration hearing against Helsley, which means he’ll make a salary of $2.15 million this coming season instead of the $3 million he’d sought.
Last season, Helsley finished the season with a team-high 19 saves in 23 chances to go with a 1.25 ERA, a team-best 13.