Insider: 2022 All-Star closer could be Orioles' trade target

Ryan Helsley.

The Baltimore Orioles may be looking to the trade market to address one of their biggest weaknesses.

During an appearance Thursday on “Foul Territory,” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggested that St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley could be a trade target for the Orioles. Rosenthal notes that Helsley is making $3.8 million this season (a number that will drop below $2 million by the trade deadline) and also has another year of club control remaining.

While Rosenthal adds that the Cardinals would first have to decide to sell at the deadline. He said that the Orioles would “absolutely” be interested in Helsley if he were to become available.

The 29-year-old Helsley, an All-Star in 2022, has been dominant this season for St. Louis. He owns a 1.50 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP through 18 appearances and is currently one off the MLB lead with 11 saves. It is possible too that the Cardinals become sellers as they are at the bottom of the NL Central right now at 15-21 and just suffered a big injury to one of their top hitters.

As for the Orioles, Craig Kimbrel is currently their closer, but he has been very uneven this season and now has a 4.73 ERA with three blown saves on the year. At 35 years old, Kimbrel is a clear Plan B with Baltimore’s All-MLB closer Felix Bautista out for the year as he recovers from Tommy John.

The Orioles still look very good overall though and own the best record in the AL at the moment (24-12). But they have been linked to more pitching help in recent months, and the back end of the bullpen may be a particular area that Baltimore needs to shore up.

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