To avoid having to add a bullpen at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened theirs throughout the summer. But uneven performances and injuries are saying differently.
The Dodgers are aware that they will probably have to overpay for a reliever with two weeks until the deadline. The Cardinals’ best option, according to Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, is closer Ryan Helsley.
“Tanner Scott has been a rollercoaster this year and the Dodgers figure to import bullpen help at the deadline, which makes them like every other contender,” Axisa wrote. “Helsley will be a free agent after the season though, and losing him for nothing but a draft pick (if St. Louis even makes him the qualifying offer) would be tough to swallow.”
With a 3.27 ERA in 33 games this season, Helsley has been a great reliever for the Cardinals. In his contract year, he has already made 19 saves for St. Louis.
Axisa did not elaborate on the specifics of the trip to St. Louis, but Bobby Miller is one player that sticks out as a potential trade target. After a stellar rookie season in the major leagues, the 25-year-old right-hander has struggled to put it together.
Given that there will always be doubts over Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals would probably then want infielder Alex Freeland, the Dodgers’ fifth-ranked prospect, in a possible trade.
The Dodgers shouldn’t worry about overpaying and should just get it done if they can get Helsley to relieve some of the strain on Tanner Scott.