Fastball

Toronto Blue Jays Have Reportedly Expressed Interest in Trading For All-Star Closer

So far, the St. Louis Cardinals haven't expressed interest in trading Ryan Helsley, but the Blue Jays have expressed interest in acquiring him.

Brady Farkas

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium on Aug 29.
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium on Aug 29. / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
In this story:

According to a report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in acquiring closer Ryan Helsley in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

In addition to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak saying that it is his intention to trade Arenado, St. Louis has received interest from the Blue Jays and D-backs in trading for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, a source said.

The Cardinals are absolutely looking to shed payroll, as evidenced by wanting to trade Arenado and them letting Paul Goldschmidt walk in free agency, but thus far, they haven't really entertained the idea of trading Helsley.

Helsley had 49 saves this past season, posting a 2.04 ERA and going 7-4. He struck out 79 batters in 66.1 innings for the Cardinals, who finished tied for second in the National League Central.

The Blue Jays finished last in the American League East at 74-88. Helsley is projected to make $6.9 million in arbitration, according to MLBTradeRumors. This is his final trip through the arbitration system.

Whether or not the Jays get Helsley, they have made real concerted efforts to go after bullpen help this offseason. They have already re-signed Yimi Garcia to a two-year deal and brought in lefty Josh Walker on Friday. Furthermore, they have also been connected to some of the top starting pitcher options. If they were to land another starter, they could potentially send Yariel Rodriguez to the bullpen, which would help the unit as well.

The Jays non-tendered longtime closer Jordan Romano and then lost him to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

Published
Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

Home/News