The Toronto Blue Jays interested in acquiring St Louis Cardinals All-Star closer.
According to a report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in acquiring closer Ryan Helsley in a trade with the St Louis Cardinals.
The Blue Jays need an elite closer after non-tendering Jordan Romano, who later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly kicking tires on Helsley, the D-Backs let Paul Sewald walk in free agency after the emergence of 23-year-old Justin Martinez as a ninth-inning option.
Helsley, the reigning NL Reliever of the Year, authored a 2.04 ERA with a 10.7 K/9 and an MLB-best 49 saves in 2024. The 30-year-old right-hander owns a 2.35 FIP and 5.8 fWAR over a combined 167 2/3 innings since 2022.
The Cardinals are absolutely looking to shed payroll, as evidenced by wanting to trade Arenado and them letting Paul Goldschmidt walk, who recently signed with the Yankees, but so far, they haven't really entertained the idea of trading Helsley.
Helsley had 49 saves this past season, posting a 2.04 ERA and going 7-4. He struck out 79 batters in 66.1 innings for the Cardinals, who finished tied for second in the National League Central.
Given that reality, it's perhaps not a shock that the Cardinals have seemingly set an incredibly high bar for even considering moving on from the two-time All-Star.
The 30-year-old has been among the league's most dominant relievers in recent years, with a 1.83 ERA and 82 saves to go with a 34.6% strikeout rate in 167 2/3 innings of work since the start of the 2022 campaign.
Whether or not the Jays get Helsley, they have made real efforts to go after bullpen help this offseason.
They have already re-signed Yimi Garcia to a two-year deal and brought in lefty Josh Walker on Friday.
The Blue Jays have also been connected to some of the top starting pitcher options like Corbin Burnes.
If they were to land another starter, they could potentially send Yariel Rodriguez to the bullpen, which would help the unit as well.
Acquiring Helsley would essentially set the Blue Jays bullpen.
Chad Green is currently their best reliever, with Yimi Garcia, Erik Swanson, and Nick Sandlin likely getting high-leverage duties.
Other relievers in the pen include Ryan Burr, Brendon Little, Josh Walker, Zach Pop, and Tommy Nance.
The last two have no more option years remaining, meaning they need to make the roster out of Spring Training or they'll have to be designated for assignment.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 236 ANSWERS The Toronto Blue Jays interested in acquiring St Louis Cardinals All-Star closer. Do you think the Blue Jays can land an elite closer like Ryan Helsley? | ||
| Yes | 89 | 37.7 % |
| No | 147 | 62.3 % |
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