Phillies Eye Cardinals Closer Ryan Helsley as Bullpen Struggles Continue
The Philadelphia Phillies are already exploring trade options to bolster their struggling bullpen, and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has emerged as a key target. After a disappointing start to the 2025 season, the Phillies are looking to strengthen the back end of their pitching staff, and Helsley’s name has surfaced as a potential solution.
Helsley, 30, has served as the Cardinals’ closer since his debut in 2019 and is currently in his final year of arbitration. With the Cardinals aiming to cut payroll and the trade deadline approaching on July 31, multiple teams — including the Phillies — are reportedly monitoring him closely, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Philadelphia has the prospect depth to make a serious offer. Despite fans expressing frustration over the team’s conservative trade moves in recent years, acquiring Helsley could represent a turning point. He would immediately address the team’s high-leverage pitching needs and take pressure off heavily used relievers like José Alvarado, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering.
Helsley brings an impressive resume: a two-time All-Star, he’s posted a 1.83 ERA and 0.95 WHIP from 2022 to 2024, converting 82 of 95 save opportunities and striking out over a third of the batters he faced. His addition would give manager Rob Thomson more flexibility in late-game matchups and allow the Phillies to manage leads more effectively.
With their bullpen underperforming early in the season, the Phillies’ front office appears poised to act before problems deepen. Helsley represents not just stability, but a potential game-changer for a team with postseason aspirations.
