The Dodgers have been connected to this transaction for nearly a year. Robert is in dire need of some fresh air. His career might be revived by joining the Dodgers’ lineup, which would also provide them with a potential outfield star.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently disclosed that the Phillies were worried about one of their best relievers this season. They might frantically pursue a trade for a new high-leverage arm as a result of this kind of worry.
“The Phillies have become concerned with closer Jordan Romano, who averaged 96.8 mph on his fastball two years ago, but now is down to about 92-94 mph and struggling holding on runners,” writes Nightengale. “This helps explain why the Blue Jays non-tendered him last winter before the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.”
The Phillies may try to make a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to get Ryan Helsley, a flamethrowing closer, if they are uncomfortable with Romano as a high-leverage right-handed reliever.
Helsley’s contract is in its last year. When the star enters free agency next winter, Spotrac predicts he will sign for $81 million, and the Cardinals are unlikely to pay that amount to re-sign him.
Philadelphia failed to properly replace Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman after allowing them to enter free agency. This duo of righties would be replaced by an even stronger high-leverage arm if Helsley were traded. The Phillies would probably have to pay a hefty price to pull it off, but it might be worth it.
