Analyst Recommends Phillies Pursue $8.2M Reliever to Bolster Bullpen
With ongoing bullpen struggles, MLB analyst Zach Pressnell from Newsweek suggests the Philadelphia Phillies should target an elite closer before the trade deadline.
Concerns over reliever Jordan Romano have surfaced, as reported by insider Bob Nightengale. In light of this, Pressnell points to St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley as a potential solution.
“If the Phillies aren’t confident in Romano as a late-inning option, they might consider making a deal for Ryan Helsley,” Pressnell wrote. “Helsley, known for his high-velocity pitches, is in the final year of his contract and expected to command a significant free-agent deal next offseason—Spotrac estimates around $81 million. It’s unlikely the Cardinals will be willing to pay that.”
Pressnell also noted the Phillies’ failure to replace Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman, both of whom left in free agency. Acquiring Helsley, while potentially costly, could give the Phillies a superior high-leverage option in the bullpen.
Currently earning $8.2 million for the 2025 season, Helsley becomes a free agent in 2026. Given that, the Cardinals might explore trade options to get value in return before his contract expires. Helsley, a two-time All-Star, led MLB in saves in 2024 and has posted a 3.00 ERA in six innings this season with two saves.
Romano’s Performance Raises Flags for Phillies
Romano, who signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Phillies after being non-tendered by the Blue Jays, is underperforming. Although he was healthy in spring training, his velocity has dropped and his effectiveness has waned.
Nightengale reported that Romano’s fastball, once averaging 96.8 mph, has dipped to the 92-94 mph range. He also noted Romano’s struggles with holding runners, which may explain Toronto’s decision to move on from him. Romano currently holds a 10.50 ERA over seven games, with one save.
Why the Cardinals Haven’t Traded Helsley Yet
Despite expectations that Helsley would be traded during the offseason, no move materialized. According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Cardinals President John Mozeliak wanted to remain competitive and viewed Helsley as essential to the team’s success, which factored into keeping him.
Woo added that while St. Louis could still move Helsley before the deadline, his value could drop if he suffers any dip in performance or health. Plus, since players traded midseason aren’t eligible for qualifying offers, the Cardinals would lose a potential compensation pick if they wait too long.
Whether or not the Cardinals decide to trade Helsley later this season remains to be seen.
