The MLB trade deadline is still a few months away, but the Philadelphia Phillies are already scouting potential bullpen upgrades. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are closely monitoring Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, a name frequently mentioned in trade speculation.
“Philadelphia, among other teams, is already watching Ryan Helsley closely, with expectations that he’ll be traded by the deadline,” Nightengale reported. The Arizona Diamondbacks are also showing interest, which isn’t surprising given Helsley’s elite status as a closer.
Helsley, 30, is a two-time All-Star and the reigning Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year. He led the majors with 49 saves last season while posting an impressive 2.04 ERA over 65 games. Although there were trade rumors last summer, the Cardinals opted to hold onto him in hopes of staying in contention.
Bailey Digh of Phillies Nation emphasized Helsley’s value, noting that he’s “been one of baseball’s premier closers” and has a proven ability to shut down games in the ninth inning.
Phillies Unwilling to Part With Top Prospects
With Ryan Helsley set to hit free agency this winter, the cost to acquire him may not be as steep as it once was. Still, elite late-inning arms don’t come cheap. Any team trading for Helsley would be counting on him not only to bolster the bullpen down the stretch, but also to deliver clutch outs in October. He’s showcased triple-digit velocity this year, reinforcing his value as a high-impact closer.
Pitching analyst Rob Friedman, also known as Pitching Ninja, highlighted Helsley’s firepower on social media, sharing a clip with the caption:
“Ryan Helsley 💯”
For the Phillies, there’s a clear ceiling on what they’re willing to offer. According to Nightengale, the team is “adamant” about keeping top prospects Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller out of any trade talks. Painter, currently in Low-A Clearwater, is eyeing a potential big league debut this summer, while Miller, despite a slow start at Double-A Reading, remains a key internal asset.
Philadelphia’s bullpen has been effective in stretches but inconsistent in late-game situations. José Alvarado and Matt Strahm have handled many of the high-leverage innings, and Orion Kerkering has been tested in the closer role, though his command issues have led to some blown leads. Jordan Romano, a recent acquisition, has also dealt with minor injuries and uneven performances.
Even if Kerkering and Romano settle in, it’s hard to envision president Dave Dombrowski passing up the chance to add a proven finisher—especially after last season’s successful trade for Carlos Estévez.
The deadline is still months away, but the Phillies’ early interest in Helsley suggests they’re laying the groundwork for what could become a competitive pursuit for one of the league’s premier closers.
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