Could Ryan Helsley be sent to the Phillies at the Trade Deadline?
With the MLB trade deadline just a day away, the Philadelphia Phillies are still searching for a reliable bullpen upgrade with Ryan Helsley at the top of the list. While veteran David Robertson is expected to be promoted soon after signing a minor league deal, he remains in Triple-A for now—leaving Philadelphia in urgent need of late-inning help.
The Phillies currently hold a narrow 2.5-game lead in the National League Wild Card race and remain in a tight battle with the New York Mets for positioning in the NL East. However, instability in the closer role is threatening to derail their postseason push.
Complicated Closer Role in Philadelphia
José Alvarado is eligible to return from his 80-game suspension in mid-August, but he will be ineligible to pitch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Jordan Romano, once seen as a stabilizing presence, has seen his ERA balloon above 6.00, raising the stakes for Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski as he weighs trade options.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley has emerged as a prime target.
“Ryan Helsley is one of the most popular trade targets with no less than a half-dozen teams interested to varying degrees,” Feinsand reported. “Among the suitors, per sources, are the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, and Blue Jays.”
Add the Tigers, Mariners and Guardians to the mix as well.
Helsley is Popular
Helsley, a pending free agent, has compiled a 3.00 ERA with 21 saves across 36 innings this season. Though his strikeout rate has dipped compared to his elite 2022–24 stretch, he remains a hard-throwing, high-leverage option with postseason experience.
The Cardinals are reportedly asking for a significant return in any Helsley trade, but Dombrowski has never shied away from making bold moves when a championship window is open. With the bullpen in flux and October baseball in reach, the Phillies may be willing to pay the price.
