The Philadelphia Phillies currently sit just 1 1/2 games back of the New York Mets in the National League East. They also have control of the second NL Wild Card spot.
The trade deadline is now just days away, and the Phillies have some holes to fill. Their bullpen has been a big issue.
Jordan Romano hasn't panned out as their closer, while Jose Alvarado is now ineligible for the postseason after being issued an 80-game suspension. The Phillies need help at the back end of games.
Thomas Gauvain of FanSided recently proposed the idea of Philadelphia trading for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
"The Phillies' bullpen ranks 22nd in reliever ERA (4.22) and 14th in strikeout ratio (8.72 K/9). Philly has been employing a closer-by-committee approach to things, but right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano currently leads the team in saves with eight," Gauvain writes.
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The Cardinals are likely to be sellers at the trade deadline as they continue to fall out of contention. Meanwhile, the Phillies are trying to catch the Mets.
St. Louis will certainly set a high asking price for Helsley in terms of prospects, but the Phillies have a strong farm system and could very easily pull off a deal while giving St. Louis the prospects they want.
Helsley saved 49 games last year and was named the NL Reliever of the Year. He is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 36 appearances and has recorded 21 saves this year.
The two-time All-Star hasn't been quite as dominant, but he could certainly give the Phillies the boost they need in the bullpen. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make an offer for the veteran right-hander.