The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to capture yet another National League West crown this season despite the injury bug striking their bullpen all year. Per a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have reached out to the St. Louis Cardinals about the availability of closer Ryan Helsley.
The Cardinals are within striking distance of a playoff spot and have a pair of favorable matchups over the next two weeks, so they might not be set in stone about trading away Helsley.
The Dodgers, however, are almost certainly returning to the postseason as they attempt to defend their World Series Championship. The Dodgers have endured many injuries in their campaign, losing Evan Phillips for the season to Tommy John surgery, along with Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech being on the injured list as of Monday.
Helsley would be one of the Dodgers’ top choices to grab at the deadline, if the Cardinals make the former Reliever of the Year available. The Redbird closer closed a franchise record 49 games last season, leading all of Major League Baseball.
The Cardinals are in limbo leading up to the deadline, which could delay any trades that the team is considering making. If the Cardinals have a strong week then they could be in a playoff spot and be looking to keep Helsley around for the stretch run to make the postseason. If they have a bad week, the Cardinals hold plenty of assets they could move at the deadline, and the Dodgers will be waiting with open arms for one of the top closers if he hits the market.
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