Even the defending World Series champions need some help as the trade deadline nears.

Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen have all suffered injuries which has thinned out the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen.

They’re focused on several of the market’s most high-profile names, and St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Ryan Helsley is the top reliever linked to LA; and given the current state of the bullpen (and the rest of the pitching roster, for that matter), the would-be blockbuster doesn’t seem too outrageous.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported the Cardinals remain undecided on what they’re going to do with Helsley ahead of the deadline. The trade decision for the Cardinals might come down to the final day before the deadline at this rate.

“The St. Louis Cardinals remain undecided whether they will trade closer Ryan Helsley at the deadline, but since they don’t plan to tender him a qualifying offer, they realize they may have no choice but to move him with at least five contenders showing interest,” Nightengale wrote.

Well, now is the perfect time to trade the veteran closer.

Helsley is coming off a league-leading 49 saves campaign last year and is currently at 19 saves with a 3.27 ERA. The two-time All-Star ranks in the 99th percentile of average fastball velocity, clocking a 99.2 mph average on the radar.

Early-season toe injuries led to his mechanics feeling off, causing big drop-offs in his whiff rate (from 36.1% in 2024 to 29.2% in 2025) and strikeout rate (from 29.7% to 24.8%).

Another reason for the Cardinals would likely be open to dealing their closer is because of his contract situation: Helsley currently is playing out a one-year, $8.3 million deal and will be a free agent in 2026.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported the Cardinals remain undecided on what they’re going to do with Helsley ahead of the deadline. The trade decision for the Cardinals might come down to the final day before the deadline at this rate.

“The St. Louis Cardinals remain undecided whether they will trade closer Ryan Helsley at the deadline, but since they don’t plan to tender him a qualifying offer, they realize they may have no choice but to move him with at least five contenders showing interest,” Nightengale wrote.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN recently gave Helsley a 60% chance of being traded at the deadline. They named the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, and Mets as the best potential fits.

While it ultimately isn’t his decision, Helsley has made it clear that he would prefer to stay in St. Louis.

“I really wish I could keep that [veteran] role, stay here and carry on that Cardinal tradition, but we’ll see what happens,” Helsley said. “Right now, I’m just trying to take things day by day and win games.”