The Blue Jays looking at blockbuster trade with the Cardinals for closer Ryan Helsley
MLB insider Jeff Passan stated that the Blue Jays would be a perfect fit for closer Ryan Hesley who was the best closer in the MLB last season and was awarded Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year in 2024 due to his 49 saves.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently named the "perfect transaction" for the Blue Jays this winter: dealing for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who led Major League Baseball with 49 saves and was named the Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year in the National League in 2024. -Roberts
This deal would make sense for the Cardinals since they are re-tooling right now in a major way after a disappointing season, rumors have them parting ways with many of their players which is why the Blue Jays could step in and trade for Helsley.
"The reboot of the Cardinals is underway after they followed their worst full season in more than 30 years with a middling 2024. They have questions everywhere, most of which involve who stays," Passan said.
The Blue Jays bullpen needs some serious help and adding a reliever such as Helsley could turn their bullpen around right away.
The only thing is the Cardinals will likely be looking for a decent return for Helsley but in the Blue Jays current situation, they should be willing to part ways with a few prospects to acquire him.
Helsley is only 30 years old and posted a 2.04 ERA in 66 innings last season which included an incredible 49 saves.
In addition to the 49 saves, the 30-year-old Helsley posted a 2.04 ERA in 66 1/3 innings this season, striking out 79 batters. He owns a 2.63 career ERA, and since the start of the 2022 season, he has a 1.83 ERA in 152 games. -Roberts