Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers Showing Interest in Cardinals' Ryan Helsley Ahead of Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 2:53 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers may hold a modest four-game lead in the NL West and boast one of the best offenses in baseball, yet their bullpen continues to be a defining factor in their inability to pull away from the pack. Injuries play a large role, with Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, and Tanner Scott all missing portions of the season. However, even when healthy, Los Angeles’ core of relief pitchers has not consistently delivered a strong performance from outing to outing.

The struggles have forced Los Angeles' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, to scour the trade market for viable relief arms, a point of frustration, especially after spending over $100 million on the position during the offseason.

One player the Dodgers are showing interest in is St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

"Ryan Helsley is one of the most popular trade targets with no less than a half-dozen teams interested to varying degrees. Among the suitors, per sources, are the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, and Blue Jays," Feinsand reported.

Helsley, an impending free agent, is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves in 36 innings pitched. It is unknown if the Dodgers want the right-hander to take over the closing duties from Tanner Scott or work as a setup reliever. Either way, adding another flamethrower will only increase Los Angeles’ odds of repeating as World Series champions.

Although Helsley has not been as dominant as he was in his Reliever of the Year award-winning season, he has shown signs of rekindling his All-Star form since June 5th. In 15 innings, Helsley has a 3.00 ERA, 18 strikeouts, just three walks, and eight saves. If Los Angeles is not afraid to overpay for a rental, Helsley could be the perfect fit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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