Given their failing bullpen, MLB analyst Zach Pressnell of Newsweek thinks the Philadelphia Phillies should trade for a star closer.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Phillies are worried about Jordan Romano, and the team’s bullpen has been problematic. As a result, Pressnell thinks the team ought to try to acquire St. Louis Cardinals player Ryan Helsley.
Pressnell stated, “The Phillies may try to make a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire flame-throwing closer Ryan Helsley if they aren’t comfortable with Romano as a high-leverage right-handed reliever.” “Helsley’s contract is in its last year. When the star enters free agency the following winter, Spotrac predicts he will sign for $81 million. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that the Cardinals would pay that amount to re-sign him.
“Philadelphia failed to sufficiently 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 spend a lot of money to execute it, but it would be well worth it,” Pressnell continued.
Prior to becoming a free agent in 2026, Helsley is making $8.2 million in 2025. The Cardinals may try to trade the closer in order to recoup assets as Helsley is scheduled to become a free agency.
Helsley led the MLB in saves in 2024 and has been named to the All-Star team twice. In six innings pitched, he has a 3.00 ERA, two saves, and a 0-0 record.
Insider: Philies Concerned About Reliever
Philadelphia may consider adding a reliever as a result of Romano’s difficulties.
The Toronto Blue Jays non-tendered Romano because of injury concerns, and the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. Romano, meanwhile, was in good health during spring training. However, Nightengale claims that they are worried because he has had difficulty during the regular season.
The Phillies are increasingly worried about closer Jason Romano, who two years ago averaged 96.8 mph on his fastball but is currently only able to hold on runners at 92 to 94 mph. This clarifies why the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $8.5 million contract after the Blue Jays non-tendered him last winter, Nightengale said.
Insider Explains Why Cardinals Didn’t Trade Helsley
This offseason, Helsley was anticipated to be traded, but no agreement was reached.
St. Louis didn’t trade Helsley because they didn’t want to fully waive the white flag, according to Cardinals insider Katie Woo of The Athletic.
This offseason, Helsley was anticipated to be traded, but no agreement was reached.
St. Louis didn’t trade Helsley because they didn’t want to fully waive the white flag, according to Cardinals insider Katie Woo of The Athletic.
If St. Louis is out of the running, is it still possible for them to trade Helsley before the deadline? Of certainly, but his value would be somewhat reduced if his performance or health declined,” Woo continued. “The Cardinals would also lose leverage because Helsley’s projected value would decrease because players who are traded at the deadline are not eligible for a qualifying offer.”
Maybe St. Louis will try to move Helsley before the deadline.
