The New York Yankees have done an excellent job of transitioning away from Juan Soto after missing out on the superstar in free agency. They’ve gained a lot of talent, but they’re still not finished. New York could try to add to its bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley being the most likely candidate. The Yankees could try to center a trade on Marcus Stroman, but St. Louis has allegedly rebuffed a Stroman-for-Nolan Arenado deal.
A trade based on Stroman may bring Helsley to the Bronx: The New York Yankees receive: RHP Ryan Helsley and RHP Miles Mikolas St. Louis Cardinals acquire: RHP Marcus Stroman, RHP Chase Hampton (No. 6 prospect).
This deal has several wrinkles. First, consider the swap of Miles Mikolas for Stroman. Mikolas would go to the Bronx and get cut. The Yankees could absorb the remainder of his contract while the Cardinals take on Stroman, who has a vesting option in 2026. This relieves the Yankees of a year’s worth of financial stress while providing the Cardinals with a superior pitcher. The Cardinals’ closer will be traded for the Yankees’ sixth-ranked prospect, Chase Hampton.
Hampton, 23, has several dominant pitches that enable him to beat batters in a variety of ways. He has been dominant in his professional career and is projected to be a front-end starter in the future. Adding Helsley would be a luxury move for the Yankees. They do not need another closer. Manager Aaron Boone already has Devin Williams in that position, but adding Helsley would create one of the most formidable backend duos in MLB history.
