The Philadelphia Phillies will need to strengthen their bullpen if they want to return to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. As of Sunday’s MLB games, the Phillies had a 14-13 record, trailing the surging New York Mets by 4.5 games and tied with two other teams for the third National League Wild Card spot. A major issue for Philadelphia has been their unreliable relief pitching. Their bullpen’s 5.46 ERA ranks 18th out of 30 MLB teams, while their 1.55 WHIP ranks 28th, and opposing hitters are batting .285 against them — the worst mark in the league.
Philadelphia’s relievers have collected seven saves, five of which belong to closer José Alvarado, who has not yet blown a save this season. However, Alvarado has allowed 13 hits and two walks over 12 2/3 innings, showing that he can’t carry the bullpen on his own. That’s why, according to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is planning to pursue Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals via trade.
Helsley, a 30-year-old veteran in his seventh MLB season, enjoyed a breakout year in 2023 with an MLB-leading 49 saves and his first All-Star appearance. With the Cardinals currently in a rebuilding phase, Nightengale reported that Helsley is likely to be moved by the trade deadline. However, the Phillies are reportedly unwilling to include their top prospects — right-hander Andrew Painter or power-hitting shortstop Aidan Miller — in any deal.
Painter, regarded as one of the best high school pitching prospects from the 2021 draft class, is the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Miller, selected 27th overall in the 2023 draft from J.W. Mitchell High School in Florida, is ranked as their No. 2 prospect. Helsley is currently playing under a one-year, $8.2 million contract and will become a free agent after the season. Like his team, Helsley has had a rocky start in 2025, already blowing two saves in six chances.