ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan believes the Boston Red Sox have the potential to be a strong team in the second half of the season — as long as they bolster their pitching staff.
In his Thursday article outlining ideal trade targets for every team with a winning record, Passan suggested the Red Sox pursue St. Louis Cardinals closer.
Passan acknowledged that Boston already has “the best reliever in the AL this season” in Aroldis Chapman, but emphasized that the bullpen still needs additional support.
“Adding Helsley from St. Louis could give the Red Sox arguably the best setup-closer duo in baseball and would help shore up a rotation that’s quietly been one of the league’s best in recent weeks,” Passan wrote.
Helsley, 30, is a two-time All-Star who has spent his entire MLB career with the Cardinals. He’s been a reliable closer for the past four seasons and led the league with 49 saves last year.
So why might the Cardinals move him? Helsley is set to become a free agent this offseason. If a contender offers a strong return for a few months of his services, St. Louis may decide it’s worth making the deal early.
The Cardinals (49–44) and Red Sox (49–45) find themselves in similar positions: competitive but trailing in tough divisions, and both still in the thick of the wild card race. With the trade deadline approaching, each team is weighing whether to buy or sell.
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