The Philadelphia Phillies have control of the top National League Wild Card spot with a 44-30 record and are just one game back of the New York Mets in the NL East.
However, there are holes the Phillies are going to need to fill at the trade deadline. Their bullpen has been a bit of a problem this year.
Jordan Romano hasn’t panned out as their closer, and Jose Alvarado was recently issued an 80-game PED suspension. The left-hander is also ineligible to pitch in the postseason.
Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports listed St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley as somebody the Phillies could target.
“There might be some cause for concern with the Cardinals’ closer, but Helsley isn’t the first reliever to go through struggles. And with his track record being what it is, a contender might well believe that a few tweaks and a change of scenery could be just what Helsley needs,” Dorsey wrote.
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Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals franchise record and being named the NL Reliever of the Year.
The two-time All-Star has struggled in the month of June, having blown all three of his save opportunities. He also has watched his ERA balloon to 3.96 after he posted a 2.04 mark in 2024.
However, the Phillies need a closer with a better track record, and Helsley could certainly boost their bullpen. At the same time, the Phillies have the prospects St. Louis would likely want in exchange for the All-Star closer.
This could give the Phillies a better chance to catch the Mets and repeat as NL East champions this season. Helsley has also still recorded 13 saves, so he could give the Phillies a much-needed boost in their bullpen.
It will be interesting to see what the Phillies decide to do and if Helsley is available at the deadline.
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