The Red Sox are reportedly interested in Helsley to address their closing needs after losing Kenley Jansen in free agency. Adding Helsley would give Boston a reliable option for the ninth inning and help solidify their bullpen as they look to compete in the AL East.
Ryan Helsley is poised to be one of the most coveted relievers on the market, and his power pitching, All-Star pedigree, and ability to shut down games make him a potential blockbuster acquisition for any team looking to make a deep postseason run.
Ryan Helsley is a two-time All-Star closer for the St. Louis Cardinals and one of the top relievers in Major League Baseball. Known for his blazing fastball, Helsley has emerged as a dominant force in the late innings, making him a valuable trade target for teams like the Boston Red Sox, especially as the Cardinals undergo a rebuilding phase. Here’s everything you need to know about him:
1. Career Overview:
- Position: Closer (Relief Pitcher)
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- MLB Debut: April 16, 2019
- All-Star Appearances: 2022, 2024
Helsley was drafted by the Cardinals in the 5th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a reliable arm in the bullpen.
2. Dominant Performance:
Helsley’s dominance has been highlighted by his ability to overpower hitters with a fastball that regularly touches 100+ mph. Since 2022, he has been one of the best closers in the game:
- ERA since 2022: 1.83
- Saves: Led the league with 49 saves in 2024
- Strikeouts: 225 strikeouts over 167.2 innings from 2022-2024
Helsley’s fastball, paired with his sharp breaking pitches, makes him extremely difficult to hit, especially in high-leverage situations.
3. Pitching Arsenal:
- Fastball: Regularly sits at 100+ mph, reaching up to 102 mph.
- Slider: A devastating breaking pitch that complements his fastball and keeps hitters off-balance.
- Curveball & Changeup: Occasionally mixed in, but his fastball-slider combo is his bread and butter.
The Boston Red Sox had an eventful offseason on the pitching front, adding starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet, while also reinforcing the bullpen with flamethrowers Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks.
However, the departure of closer Kenley Jansen in free agency has left some uncertainty over who will take the ninth-inning role. Currently, Chapman is expected to close, but Boston may explore options for a star closer as the season progresses.
According to Bleacher Report’s “Top 10 Players Most Likely to be Traded,” the Red Sox have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for St. Louis Cardinals’ two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
Helsley, one of the top closers in baseball, led the league with 49 saves in 2024 and boasts an impressive 1.83 ERA since 2022. Over that period, he’s thrown 167.2 innings and struck out 225 batters. While health is a concern, Helsley could become a sought-after trade target if he remains healthy through the first half of the season, especially as the Cardinals transition into a rebuilding phase.
The Red Sox have the prospect depth to make a deal for Helsley, potentially even trading an MLB-ready player to get the deal done. If Boston is serious about contending deep into the postseason, they will need to solidify the closer role and avoid nightly uncertainty in the ninth inning.
Leave a Reply