Phillies, Diamondbacks Reportedly Pursue Ryan Helsley Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks are both closely monitoring St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley as the MLB trade deadline approaches, seeking to address their bullpen weaknesses. Helsley, recognized for his elite performance and multiple All-Star appearances, is viewed as one of the most desirable relievers on the market, especially given his 1.83 ERA and 49 saves in 2024. Despite the Cardinals not actively shopping Helsley, their disappointing start to the season and his impending free agency have fueled speculation that he may be traded if the team continues to struggle. The Phillies, however, are reportedly unwilling to include top prospects Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller in any deal, which could complicate negotiations. Both teams see Helsley as a potential game-changer for their playoff prospects but may face significant competition and high asking prices due to his value. The outcome will likely hinge on both the Cardinals' performance leading up to the deadline and the willingness of interested teams to meet St. Louis's demands.