Look out, American League — the Toronto Blue Jays are no longer playing it safe. With two days to go before the MLB trade deadline, Toronto sits atop the AL standings and is building momentum like a freight train. This time last year, they were unloading expiring contracts. In 2025? They’re buying — and big. According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Blue Jays are officially in the mix for one of the most coveted arms on the market: St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
Now that’s how you make a splash.
Feinsand reports that the Jays join the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, and Rangers in pursuit of the hard-throwing Helsley — a two-time All-Star who still brings serious heat at the back end of the bullpen.
Why Ryan Helsley Makes Perfect Sense for Toronto
Toronto’s roster is stacked with talent, but if there’s one glaring weakness, it’s relief pitching. The bullpen has held up okay, but adding a proven closer like Helsley would instantly give manager John Schneider a game-changer in tight postseason battles.
Let’s break it down: Helsley owns a 3.00 ERA with 21 saves in 36 appearances this season. He’s not quite on pace with last year’s jaw-dropping 49-save, NL Reliever of the Year campaign, but he’s still one of the best late-inning arms available — and the Cardinals know it. That’s why their asking price is steep. Not only that, but Helsley believes he will be traded, but wants to stay.
Toronto Must Pay to Play
If the Jays want to land Helsley, they’ll need to pony up some legit prospect capital. Last summer, they sold off Yusei Kikuchi and snagged a trio of prospects from Houston. This year, the roles are reversed, and it may cost Toronto one or two of their top farm pieces to get this deal done.
But the reward? Potentially burying the Yankees in the AL East and entering October with one of the most balanced rosters in baseball. Toronto’s been on a heater since the end of May — and Helsley could be the final piece to help them stay there.
Will The Blue Jays Pull the Trigger?
That’s the million-dollar question. With the clock ticking toward the deadline and the Jays riding high, all signs point toward aggressive action. The Cardinals are listening, and the Jays are in the mix. Now it comes down to how badly Toronto wants to win in 2025.
If they’re serious? Helsley could be in the AL East by Wednesday.
