With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the St. Louis Cardinals are facing tough decisions as their performance has faltered, culminating in a 4-10 record through June. Speculation surrounds star Nolan Arenado, whose recent slump could prompt the team to trade him for fresh prospects and a change of scenery.

Despite a .283 career batting average, Arenado's current season is disappointing, with a .244 average, just eight home runs, and a career-low OPS of .694. However, his elite defensive skills may still entice contenders. Other potential trade candidates include Ryan Helsley and Sonny Gray, as the Cardinals look to reshape their roster for the future.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with significant pitching issues as they await the returns of key starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki. The bullpen is further depleted with the loss of All-Star Andrew Phillips for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Nevertheless, the Dodgers maintain a solid 2.5-game lead in the NL West. As the trade deadline approaches, speculation mounts on the team's next move, especially after the San Francisco Giants' acquisition of Rafael Devers.

Sports Illustrated's Zach Pressnell suggests the Dodgers should target St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Despite a challenging 2025 season, including a 3.96 ERA and a league-high five blown saves, Helsley's skills make him a valuable asset for Los Angeles as they strengthen their bullpen. With Tanner Scott finding form, the addition of Helsley could provide a formidable late-inning duo.

The New York Yankees are facing a challenging summer as reliever Jake Cousins is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, a significant setback for their already fragile bullpen. Manager Aaron Boone's remarks underscore the urgency for the Yankees to bolster their relief corps, especially with Luke Weaver also sidelined. With the trade deadline approaching, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is exploring potential solutions in the market.

Several options are emerging for the Yankees. Pete Fairbanks of the Tampa Bay Rays, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA, is a candidate, though his health is a concern. Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, last year's MLB saves leader, could be a highly sought-after closer, assuming St. Louis is open to trade discussions. David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates is making a comeback after a rough start, while Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals leads the league in saves, making him an intriguing budget-friendly choice. Finally, Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies has shown promise this season, providing an affordable option with solid performance metrics.

As Week 11 unfolds in the 2025 fantasy baseball season, several bullpens are undergoing significant changes that could impact fantasy managers' strategies. The Arizona Diamondbacks have found themselves in a committee situation, with Justin Martinez and Shelby Miller sharing save opportunities. However, Martinez's recent elbow discomfort raises questions about the team's closer role.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves' bullpen is in disarray, with Raisel Iglesias struggling and other options lacking clarity. Tanner Scott remains the closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but with the return of Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech, both pitchers could emerge as solid options if Scott falters.

The Texas Rangers have officially named Robert Garcia as their closer, while the St. Louis Cardinals face a potential shifting in their closing duties as Ryan Helsley continues to underperform. Speculation surrounds who could step into the role if Helsley's struggles continue. As these changes unfold, savvy fantasy owners should keep a close eye on these bullpens and consider making roster adjustments accordingly.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season has seen several closers falter, including Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has recently struggled with blown saves, and Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves, who lost his closer role after poor performances. Amidst this uncertainty, the top-performing closers include Josh Hader from the Houston Astros, who leads the league with 17 saves and boasts an impressive strikeout rate. Other notable names are Andres Munoz of the Seattle Mariners and Robert Suarez from the San Diego Padres, both of whom are expected to maintain strong performances for the remainder of the season.

This analysis also looks forward to predicting the top 10 closers by October. The expectation is that the likes of Hader and Munoz will remain at the forefront. New faces preparing to emerge in the closing ranks include Mason Miller and Luke Weaver, with Miller showing significant promise as a newcomer. With the trade deadline approaching, it will be interesting to see how trades impact closer dynamics in the league.