The Detroit Tigers have been mired in a difficult patch, dropping 10 of their last 11 games, marking their most challenging period since late last year. With the MLB trade deadline approaching in under a week, the Tigers are looking toward potential reinforcements to strengthen a faltering roster, focusing particularly on pitching.
While adding a back-end starter could provide depth, the Tigers’ biggest need lies within their bullpen, which has been notably ineffective in recent weeks. The absence of a dependable closer to finish games has left the team vulnerable during high-leverage situations, intensifying pressure on their pitching staff.
Ryan Helsley Emerges as a Leading Trade Candidate for Detroit’s Bullpen
Among the players linked to the Tigers in trade discussions, St. Louis Cardinals veteran closer Ryan Helsley stands out as a prime option. As the Cardinals enter a selling phase for the season, Helsley has openly acknowledged the growing likelihood of his departure, signaling to potential suitors his openness to a trade.
Helsley shared with Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic,
“I want to stay here, I want to help us win,”
but he continued candidly,
“I would say it’s 90 percent I go, 10 percent I stay.”
Industry insiders largely agree with this assessment, indicating that Helsley remaining with the Cardinals post-trade deadline would be unexpected. Woo and Sammon noted,
“Moving Helsley, who will be a first-time free agent at the end of the season, seems unavoidable. The Cardinals elected to hold on to Helsley coming into the year, a decision that baffled rival executives at the time. At least five teams have inquired with varying degrees of interest, league sources said.”
While it is not confirmed whether the Tigers are among those teams, the match would be logical given Detroit’s pressing bullpen needs. Helsley, despite a less dominant season than in 2024, posts a respectable 3.09 ERA with 20 saves and 39 strikeouts over 35 innings, which would significantly bolster the Tigers’ late-inning pitching.
Potential Impact of Acquiring Helsley on Tigers’ Playoff Fortunes
Should Helsley regain the form that earned him an All-Star appearance last year—when he pitched to a 2.04 ERA and led the Major Leagues with 49 saves—his addition could provide the Tigers with the closing strength needed to convert close games into wins. This could be a vital factor in overcoming the team’s recent struggles and pushing them into a more competitive position.
Beyond immediate pitching improvements, securing Helsley would also prevent a division rival from augmenting their bullpen, which could affect postseason matchups. Given his expected availability by the deadline, Helsley represents an opportunity Detroit would likely regret missing out on if they pursue other avenues.
Trade Deadline Strategies and Broader Team Considerations
The Tigers continue to explore options to address weaknesses in both pitching and offense. Previously, players like Eugenio Suarez have been mentioned as potential trade additions to strengthen the lineup. However, the urgency to stabilize relief pitching remains paramount given the bullpen’s ongoing difficulties.
As Detroit evaluates its options, the potential acquisition of Helsley highlights the emphasis on solidifying late-inning pitching, which could be crucial for their push toward postseason contention. Front office decisions in the final days before the deadline will shape the trajectory of the Tigers’ season moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast does Ryan Helsley throw?
A. Summary of Pitch Types As of 2025, they mostly use a Fourseam Fastball that reaches 99 mph and a Slider that hits 89 mph. Occasionally, they include a Curve at 80 mph. A Cutter, reaching 93 mph, is used less often.