The Los Angeles Dodgers have no shortage of superstars, but have shown in the past that they are willing to stay aggressive. After one of their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants, made a big move, the Dodgers could look to match them.
The Giants added Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. The Dodgers could look to beef up their pitching staff to combat the improving offenses in the National League. The Giants and San Diego Padres are not going to let the Dodgers run away with the National League West, so the Dodgers may need to add some upgrades at the trade deadline.
The Dodgers gave Tanner Scott a $72 million deal in the offseason. He has been their primary closer, but has struggled as of late. Since May 20, he has a 6.92 ERA and has blown three saves. Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell suggested the Dodgers could trade for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
“Los Angeles has a loaded bullpen, but it also has a handful of talented relievers sitting on the injured list right now with no real timetable for return,” wrote Pressnell. “The Dodgers are typically a team that buys out of luxury instead of necessity anyway, so a deal for one of the better closers in baseball has always made sense.
“Now that the Giants have made a major upgrade, the Dodgers could be the next team to follow suit,” Pressnell continued. “Los Angeles has one of the most expensive rosters in baseball history right now, so there’s next to no chance it’s going to let the Giants steal the NL West without a true fight.”
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Helsley led the league in saves last year and won the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award. He has a 3.96 ERA this season with 13 saves. He has not been as dominant, but is still an elite arm and could be an asset for the Dodgers in October. The Cardinals are seven games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and 2/12 games out of a wild card spot, before play on Tuesday. They could quickly become sellers.
If that is the case, then Helsley is a prime candidate to be dealt. He will be a free agent after the season and is projected to earn a six-year, $81 million deal in free agency.
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