The Philadelphia Phillies hold a narrow lead in the National League East with a 56-43 record, just half a game ahead of the New York Mets. Despite their strong position, the Phillies are actively pursuing improvements to their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, aiming to strengthen their late-inning pitching and maintain their edge.
Current Challenges in Philadelphia’s Bullpen
While the Phillies bolstered their relief corps by signing David Robertson, he has yet to fully adjust to high-pressure appearances. Further complicating the team‘s bullpen reliability, closer Jordan Romano has struggled to meet expectations, and Jose Alvarado is unavailable for postseason play. These issues have made the Phillies vulnerable in critical moments, motivating management to seek additional reinforcements.
Ryan Helsley Emerges as a Top Trade Prospect
Among potential trade candidates, Ryan Helsley has drawn significant attention. ESPN analysts Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel have highlighted Helsley as a key reliever on the market. Helsley, who shined with the St. Louis Cardinals last season, ranked fourth in WAR among relievers. However, this year he has faced difficulties, particularly as his fastball has been less effective and more prone to giving up home runs.
Career Highlights and Current Performance of Ryan Helsley
Helsley made headlines last year by saving 49 games for the Cardinals, surpassing Trevor Rosenthal’s previous franchise record of 48 saves. Although his 2023 campaign shows a modest 3-1 record and a 3.18 ERA in 34 games with 19 saves, he remains a proven closer who can provide valuable late-game pitching. His past success and potential for improvement make him an attractive option for the Phillies.
St. Louis Cardinals Positioned to Sell at Deadline
The Cardinals have struggled recently, including a sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks, signaling a shift toward rebuilding before the trade deadline. Ryan Helsley has become their most valuable trade asset. With strong prospect assets available, the Phillies are well placed to negotiate a deal for the reliever.
Importance of Adding Helsley to Philadelphia’s Bullpen
For the Phillies, acquiring Ryan Helsley would be a strategic move to stabilize their bullpen after the addition of Robertson. Helsley’s pitching velocity remains impressive, and the Phillies’ coaching staff may be able to help him overcome the issues he has experienced during this season. This acquisition could be crucial in helping Philadelphia maintain their narrow lead over the Mets in the NL East as postseason play approaches.
“Ryan Helsley had the fourth-best WAR among relievers last season.” —Jeff Passan, ESPN Analyst
“Helsley’s ability to close games remains a valuable asset for any team, including the Phillies.” —Kiley McDaniel, ESPN Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Ryan Helsley throw?
A. In 2025, this player mainly uses a Fourseam Fastball, which reaches speeds of 99mph, and a Slider at 89mph. Occasionally, they include a Curve at 80mph. They don’t throw their 93mph Cutter very often.