Phillies Showing Interest in Cardinals' Closer Ryan Helsley: Report

Phillies Showing Interest in Cardinals' Closer Ryan Helsley: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The MLB trade deadline is just one day away, and the Philadelphia Phillies have yet to acquire any bullpen help. While the signing of David Robertson could be beneficial, he is currently in Triple-A preparing for an inevitable call-up. However, Philadelphia needs help now. They hold a 2.5-game lead for the second Wild Card spot and are trying to keep pace with the New York Mets in a tight NL East race.

Despite closer Jose Alvarado being eligible to return from an 80-game suspension in mid-August, he cannot pitch in the postseason. In his absence, the ninth inning has turned into a disaster, with Jordan Romano’s ERA climbing above 6.00, prompting Philadelphia’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, to target a high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Phillies are among several teams showing interest in St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.

"Ryan Helsley is one of the most popular trade targets with no less than a half-dozen teams interested to varying degrees. Among the suitors, per sources, are the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, and Blue Jays," Feinsand reported.

Helsley, an impending free agent, is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves in 36 innings pitched. While he may not be as dominant as his Reliever of the Year-winning season, Helsley would still provide a fortifying presence in the backend of the Phillies’ bullpen.

The Cardinals' asking price is high, but that has never stopped Dombrowski from pulling the trigger on a trade, especially if it furthers the team’s push to a World Series.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.