Orioles Could Compete with Dodgers, Yankees for Top Closer at Trade Deadline

The Baltimore Orioles could face stiff competition from the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers for a highly coveted St. Louis Cardinals pitcher at the MLB trade deadline.

Kade Kistner | May 25, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

The Baltimore Orioles figure to be very active at this season's MLB trade deadline as they try to chase down the New York Yankees for a second-consecutive American League East title.

The Orioles have one of the best lineups in baseball this year and their rotation has been very good. Their biggest concern will be improving their bullpen, the weakest unit on the roster.

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to improving at the margins but perhaps the most significant move they could make would be for St. Louis closer Ryan Helsley.

In 2024 alone, Helsley has 15 saves and an ERA of 1.23, a performance that is on pace for a career year. But with the Cardinals current performance, the need for an elite closer likely won't be there come the trade deadline.

In fact, Jim Bowden, an MLB insider for The Athletic, names Baltimore as one of the teams that could and should pursue the closer, as well as what the expected price may be.

"They’ll be able to get a young, everyday position player prospect or rookie major-league position player who could start now or a middle-of-the-rotation pitching prospect, along with two mid- or lower-level type prospects," writes Bowden. "Expect the Orioles, Yankees and Dodgers to all be in play here."

Baltimore has plenty of prospects in a loaded and well respected farm system that St. Louis may be interested in. Helsley has one more year of team control so the 29-year-old won't come cheap, especially given his consistent track record on the mound.

Still, if Helsley is the missing piece to a potential World Series run, the Orioles front office needs to pull the trigger. But they will have stiff competition from the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two franchises who aren't used to being told no.

Published May 25, 2024

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.