The Atlanta Braves are 26-29 and 9 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. They are not out of the race yet and can still make a push for the postseason.
Unless the Braves’ season completely slips away by July 31, they could be looking to make additions to their team. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested they could try to acquire Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
“The Braves have seen spotty play from Raisel Iglesias this season which could lead them to the trade market to add a star closer,” wrote Pressnell. “If they want to go big, the biggest and best option potentially on the block is St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.”
The biggest issue with trying to acquire Helsely will be that the Cardinals are not playing like a seller at this point. However, even if they are still in postseason position, trading Helsley could be on the table. He is going to be a free agent after the season, and Spotrac projects him to earn a six-year, $81 million deal.
Helsley led baseball in saves last season and won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award. This year he has 12 saves and a 3.15 ERA in 20 games. Even though he is valuable for the Cardinals, they may be open to moving on if they do not see a path to signing him in free agency.
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Iglesias had a 1.95 ERA and 34 saves last season. This year, he has a 5.91 ERA in 22 games. If the Braves start to make a push for a Wild Card spot or even the division title, they may be interested in a more reliable option to close games. Iglesias setting up Helsley would give them an elite duo at the backend of their bullpen.
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