Helsley Drawing Serious Interest From Yankees and Rangers Among Others

As the MLB trade deadline looms, St. Louis Cardinals’ closer Ryan Helsley has emerged as one of the most coveted arms on the market. With the Cardinals appearing to be sellers, and Helsley himself acknowledging a 90% chance of being traded. A fierce bidding war is underway for the two-time All-Star. Several perennial contenders, desperate for high-leverage bullpen help, are making their interest known.

The Rangers and Yankees are the Top Suitors for Helsley

At the forefront of the chase are the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. Both clubs are looking to fortify their bullpens for a deep postseason run. The Yankees, even with a potential Aaron Judge injury impacting their aggressiveness, are still keen on adding a proven closer.

For the Rangers, who lack an established ninth-inning presence, Helsley represents a chance to plug a significant hole. His $8.2 million salary for 2025 is seen as manageable. Particularly for a rental that can provide an immediate impact.

Don’t Count out the Dodgers and Phillies

The Los Angeles Dodgers, always in contention and never shy about making big moves, are also firmly in the mix. Their desire for a high-leverage right-handed reliever is well-documented, and Helsley fits that bill perfectly. There’s even speculation they might pursue a package deal for Helsley and Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. However, such a move would certainly come at a hefty price.

Another National League powerhouse, the Philadelphia Phillies, is reportedly among a “half-dozen teams” with varying degrees of interest. Their bullpen has struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Helsley’s experience and electric stuff could be the missing piece to stabilize their late innings. While his 2025 numbers (3.00 ERA, 1.389 WHIP) aren’t quite as dominant as his elite 2022-2024 stretch (1.83 ERA, 0.954 WHIP), his velocity remains intact, and he’s still converting saves at a high rate (21 in 26 opportunities). His status as an impending free agent could also make him a more affordable option compared to closers with multiple years of team control.

Helsley Catching Interest from Mets and Blue Jays

Rounding out the known suitors are the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mets are looking to capitalize on a second-half resurgence, and a dominant reliever would be a significant boost. The Blue Jays, despite recently acquiring Seranthony Domínguez, are still reportedly intrigued by Helsley, suggesting they might not be done adding to their bullpen.

Down Year but He’s Still One of the Best Available

What makes Helsley so appealing, even in a slightly down year by his own lofty standards, is his proven track record. From 2022-2024, he was one of the game’s most unhittable relievers, leading MLB in saves last season with 49. His triple-digit fastball and nasty slider can still overwhelm hitters. While he is a rental, set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, the Cardinals are expected to garner a significant return given the scarcity of top-tier relief pitching available.

As the trade deadline draws nearer, the competition for Ryan Helsley’s services will only intensify. Whichever team ultimately acquires him will be adding a valuable asset to their bullpen, hoping he can provide the finishing touch for a deep playoff run.