The Toronto Blue Jays own the best record in the American League with two days to go until the trade deadline. They have a 5 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East.
Last summer, they were sellers at the trade deadline and dealt away any players on expiring contracts. This year is going to be different for the Blue Jays.
They have needs to address and are a clear contender in the American League. One area of need is their bullpen.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com listed five teams that are in the running for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Among those teams were the Blue Jays.
"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 St. Louis. 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, he still has been effective for St. Louis. Thus, the Cardinals have set a high asking price for the two-time All-Star.
The Blue Jays landed three top prospects from the Houston Astros last summer in exchange for Yusei Kikuchi. This time, they will have to sell some of their top prospects if they want to land Helsley.
Adding Helsley could give them the push they need to separate themselves from the rest of the AL East and bury the Yankees in second place. They have been red-hot since the end of May.
It will be interesting to see if they can land Helsley.
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