MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers Named Best Fit For All-Star Closer

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley reacts during 2025 game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers may be closing in on a potential blockbuster, as multiple MLB insiders have named them the “best fit” for St. Louis Cardinals All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

With Helsley in a contract year and the Cardinals straddling the playoff bubble, the Dodgers are preparing to pounce if St. Louis pivots to seller mode at the deadline.

Dodgers Bullpen Needs a Right-Handed Power Arm

Despite offseason signings of Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, the Dodgers' bullpen remains lopsided with left-handed options like Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda dominating the mix. Helsley, with his 99.1 mph average fastball and closing experience, would immediately fill the Dodgers’ need for a right-handed high-leverage weapon. He’s logged 16 saves with a 3.41 ERA this season and ranks in the 93rd percentile in chase rate, metrics that continue to make him attractive despite a rising home run rate.

Hels Bells keep ringing 🔔🔥

Congrats to Ryan Helsley on 100 career saves! pic.twitter.com/8S5Dk4ezCr
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 28, 2025

Insiders all peg Helsley as a potential target for Los Angeles. ESPN's Jeff Passan estimates a 30% chance he’s dealt, calling him a strong match for the Dodgers amid their injury-riddled pitching staff.

Cardinals at a Crossroads as Deadline Nears

St. Louis currently sits just 2.5 games out in the NL Central and tied for the final Wild Card spot. Yet with Helsley’s contract expiring and no extension in sight, trading him now could prevent losing him for nothing. His declining strikeout rate and ballooning home run totals may also prompt the Cardinals to cash in while his value remains high.