The Texas Rangers got off to a bit of a slow start this year but have turned the page in the month of July. At 56-51, they are just four games out in the American League West.
In addition, Texas is only a game behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot. They have some areas of the roster that need to be upgraded soon.
The trade deadline is two days away, and the Rangers are in need of some bullpen help. They do not have a true closer at the back end of their bullpen.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com listed several teams who have checked in All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, and the Rangers were among 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 and 21 saves in 36 appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals this year. He set a franchise record with 49 saves in 2024 and was named the National League Reliever of the Year.
While not as dominant this year, the price the Cardinals have set for the two-time All-Star is likely very high. Texas has some solid prospects in their system that they could trade in order to land the star closer.
The Rangers have played their way into buyer's territory with two days to go before the deadline. Meanwhile, St. Louis has struggled and is prepared to sell pieces off rather than add to their roster.
A potential trade such as this could give the Rangers the push they need to challenge the Houston Astros for the top spot in the AL West. They are within striking distance and need some reinforcements to catch Houston.
We'll see if the Rangers decide to make a splash.
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