Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto eyeing trade for Cardinals' All-Star closer

One of the clear improvements that the Blue Jays needed to make this offseason involved reshaping their bullpen. That group underperformed greatly in 2024, and retooling the unit was an immediate priority. They have made multiple steps towards upgrading their relief depth, with the signing of Yimi Garcia (welcome back!) and the acquistion of Nick Sandlin.

They still are not done, though, as they are reportedly interested in chasing upside. According to Mark Feinsand's reporting, Toronto has joined Arizona in being strongly interested in acquiring star closer Ryan Helsley from St. Louis. Over two weeks after the initial report dropped, there still hasn't been any public progress in either direction.

The Cardinals have been all over the place in deciding what they are going to do with the elite reliever, as it was initially reported that they were going to hang on to him, but it now appears the opposite remails plausible. St. Louis is looking to shed payroll and rebuild their farm system, placing both Helsley and Nolan Arenado on the trade block at various points this offseason. Expect prospects, rather than MLB talent, to eventually be sent the Cardinals' way by the lucky acquiring team.

Blue Jays reportedly interested in trade for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley

Acquiring Helsley would bolster this bullpen and would save this offseason. They have missed a handful of big named free agents and have yet to make a big impact move to compete with their rivals in the AL East. Helsley would partially fix that, but should not be the last move the Jays make.

Last season, Helsley posted an earned run average of 2.04 with a FIP of 2.41 across 66.1 innings and struck out 79 batters. Opponents batted .206 against him and he walked hitters at a 8.6% clip to generate a WHIP of 1.10. Additionally, he went 7-4 with 49 saves.

Batters struggle against his triple-digit fastball, along with his incredible slider and curveball punch. Those breaking pitches have a run value of 14, which ranks in the 98th percentile across the league. He generated a 33.5% chase rate, a 36.1% whiff rate, and a barrel rate of just 3.7% on all three pitches last season. Those marks all rank within the top 10% of the league.

It may cost a bundle of prospects, but it would be worth it to get one of the best closers in the game. Stopping great offenses in the ninth inning in important games is crucial, and Toronto would be much better equipped in those situations with Helsley. Time will tell if this rumor comes to life.