The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the second National League Wild Card spot. They are 1 1/2 games back of the New York Mets in the NL East.
The team is prepared to buy at the trade deadline yet again. They have areas of the roster that need some work with the deadline now just two days away.
The bullpen is their most obvious need. Jordan Romano hasn't panned out as their closer, while Jose Alvarado's 80-game PED suspension makes him ineligible for the postseason.
Mark Feinsand recently reported that there are several teams showing interest in St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. The Phillies were one of the teams listed.
"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.
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Helsley is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 36 appearances and has recorded 21 saves with the Cardinals. Last year, he set a franchise record with 49 saves and was named the NL Reliever of the Year.
While not as dominant this year, Helsley still will bring back a massive haul. The Cardinals have set a high asking price, and Philadelphia has the prospects to pull off a deal.
Adding Helsley could give Philadelphia a better chance to edge out the Mets in the NL East and make a deeper postseason run. They lost the NLDS last fall to the Mets.
The Cardinals are likely going to be selling off all of their expiring contracts as they continue to fall out of contention. Meanwhile, the Phillies will be making a push.
We'll see if they can land Helsley.
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