MLB Trade Rumors: Top 5 Closer Targets on Trade Market
When it comes to teams beefing up at the trade deadline, often the top commodity being sought is a dominant arm for the bullpen. In a variation of the old saying, 'You can never have too much pitching', is the one that goes 'You can never have too many lockdown bullpen arms in the postseason.'
So even teams with rock solid relief will be looking to add yet one or two more arms to the back end of the bullpen. With that in mind, we look at the top 5 closers that could be available come July 30.
Tanner Scott
Maybe the most sought-after high-leverage reliever not named Mason Miller (the scintillating rookie is not on this list because the Oakland A's would be insane to trade him). Scott is almost certain to be traded, and has been dominant for the Miami Marlins, at one point going 18 straight appearances without allowing a run until an outing last week.
Kyle Finnegan
The Washington Nationals closer started the seasons slowly, but has been one of the best closers in the game since then, with 17 saves in his last 18 opportunities. He's very likely to be dealt as well.
Ryan Helsley
As the major league leader in saves with a remarkable 24 already, Helsley will be in huge demand should the St. Louis Cardinals decide to sell. But the Cards currently hold down one of the NL Wild Card spots, so at the moment, it's unlikely. He has one year of arbitration left before becoming a free agent.
Jordan Romano
The Toronto Blue Jays might be a bit of a long-shot to be sellers at this point as well, but more because their general manager can't be trusted to make the right decision, rather than their status in the standings. In addition, the Canadian closer still has one more year of team control. He's missed a huge chunk of the season, and has struggled mightily in his return, surrendering 10 earned runs in 13.2 innings.
Kenley Jansen
Every year, we think that Father Time will finally catch up to Jansen, but he's still getting the job done, with 12 saves, a 2.70 ERA and 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Will the Red Sox sell?
Photo: © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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