The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for the trade deadline with a keen focus on revamping their bullpen. With José Alvarado potentially sidelined due to a PED suspension that will exclude him from postseason play, the team's relief pitching has struggled, currently holding a 4.63 ERA, ranking fifth-worst in MLB. To address this gap, experts Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan have suggested that the Phillies could pursue St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley, who boasts a stellar record but has had a less impressive season with a 3.67 ERA. Helsley, in a contract year, previously led MLB with 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA, making him an appealing target for Philadelphia's struggling relief corps.

Despite the potential fit, the Cardinals, currently competing for a Wild Card spot with a 43-36 record, may be reluctant to part ways with Helsley. His uneven performance this season, marked by a higher-than-normal home run rate, raises questions about his value. However, if the Cardinals decide to lean toward a rebuilding phase, Helsley could be a valuable asset for the Phillies as they aim for playoff contention.