The Phillies are already researching the trade deadline, even though it is still three months away. Bob Nightengale of USA Today claims that Philadelphia is monitoring Ryan Helsley, a closer for the Cardinals whose name has become quite well-known in the rumor mill.
Ryan Helsley, a closer for the Cardinals, is already being closely watched by the Philadelphia Phillies and other clubs, and it is expected that he will be traded by the trade deadline, according to Nightengale. Helsley, 30, is one of baseball’s best ninth-inning weapons, so the Diamondbacks are also keeping an eye on him.
Trevor Hoffman, a two-time All-Star and the current In 65 appearances, Helsley recorded a league-high 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA last season, earning him the title of Reliever of the Year. There was talk that he would be traded even last summer. However, St. Louis clung onto their fireballer in an attempt to remain competitive. Helsley “has been one of baseball’s premier closers,” according to Bailey Digh of PhilliesNation.com, and “his track record speaks for itself when it comes to locking down the ninth inning.”
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The cost to get Helsley may not be as high as it was previously, especially because free agency is approaching this winter. He is a top-tier reliever, though, so he won’t be a cheap selection. Any team that makes a deal would be counting on Helsley to help secure important outs in October as well as to help end the regular season. This season, he has displayed incredible, top-speed things.
For their part, the Phillies have been explicit about their boundaries. According to Nightengale, they are “adamant” about excluding Aidan Miller and Andrew Painter from any possible agreement. Painter is aiming for a summer MLB debut while pitching in Low-A Clearwater. Although Miller is having a rough start at the plate, he is still well-liked inside Double-A Reading.
Though erratic in the latter stages of games, Philadelphia’s bullpen has been strong overall. The majority of the high-leverage positions have been filled by José Alvarado and Matt Strahm, with right-hander Orion Kerkering filling in for close responsibilities. However, Kerkering has occasionally lacked leadership, which has resulted in a couple late collapses early in the season. Jordan Romano, who the Phillies just acquired, has also been relied upon, although he has struggled with inconsistency and minor injuries. It’s no surprise that the front office is looking into improvements as there isn’t a real lockdown closer in place yet.
After Carlos Estévez’s successful swing last summer, it’s difficult to see Dave Dombrowski passing on another chance to strengthen the late innings, even if Kerkering and Romano manage to settle in.
Before any significant deals are made, there is still a lot of baseball to be played. However, the Phillies’ early relationship with Helsley feels like the first stroke of paint on a deadline image that will undoubtedly become much more complicated.
