The San Diego Padres had a quiet offseason, but are performing well this season.
Even after losing a few pieces, San Diego is in the third National League Wild Card spot, a game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. But they could always use a little more help down the stretch.
Every year at the trade deadline, high-end relief pitching is in high demand, and the Padres could use a back-end bullpen presence.
Zach Pressnell of Sports Illustrated proposed the idea of San Diego targeting St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
“They’re actively competing with the Giants (and the Dodgers) in the NL West. Seeing a division rival make such a huge move will show the Padres’ front office’s true desire to win this season. They could sit back and let the Giants steal the division or they could be active ahead of the trade deadline to compete for the title,” Pressnell writes.
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San Diego traded for Tanner Scott last year at the deadline. He left for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason.
Having an arm like Helsley could significantly boost their bullpen and give them a much better chance of possibly running down the Dodgers in the NL West. San Diego has not won the NL West since 2006.
But Helsley could help them get closer to winning a division title.
Unfortunately, Helsley may be losing value. He has blown five saves this year, three of which have come in June, and he owns a 3.96 ERA, which is respectable, but a little high for a closer.
The Padres won’t be able to get him for cheap, regardless of his struggles, but they might be able to get away with holding onto a few key prospects.
It will be interesting to see what Helsley’s market will look like at the deadline.
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