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Dodgers Trade Idea Lands Cardinals Flame Throwing Closer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff continues to battle inconsistencies and injuries. The team is still waiting for the return of starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki, while the bullpen lost All-Star reliever Andrew Phillips for the season after Tommy John surgery. Despite the losses, Los Angeles holds a firm 2.5-game lead in the NL West. And with the trade deadline looming, speculation is starting to build as to what the Dodgers’ big move will be.

Assuming they will be aggressive, especially after the rival San Francisco Giants traded for Rafael Dever, Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell believes the Dodgers should make a move for a high-leverage relief pitcher.

His target is none of than St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.

"Los Angeles should go get Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, and it shouldn't wait any longer to do so," Pressnell said. "Helsley has made sense as a fit for the Dodgers for months now, but no deal has come to fruition. As the days go by, the Dodgers lose more and more pitchers to the injured list. With each arm that goes down, the need for another closer becomes more apparent."

While closer Tanner Scott had early-season struggles, he is also coming off his seventh-straight scoreless appearance. If Scott is hitting his stride, Helsley could slot into the eighth inning and give Los Angeles an excellent one-two punch in the backend of the bullpen.

Helsley, a two-time All-Star, has had a bumpy 2025 campaign. He has been hit around a bit, leading to a 3.96 ERA and a league-high five blown saves (tied with Scott). A change of scenery and role do him well, as he still possesses lights-out stuff any team would want come the postseason.

Whether the Dodgers make a splashy move is unknown, but with the Giants adding one of the best hitters in baseball to their lineup, they may want to counter by acquiring one of the best relief pitchers to their bullpen.

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

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