The Baltimore Orioles have made a strong start to the season, climbing to the top of the American League East standings and matching the win totals of most other MLB teams. However, their bullpen has emerged as a clear weakness that could hinder their chances of making a deep playoff run.

Craig Kimbrel, the team’s designated closer, has struggled mightily, blowing three saves so far, which is tied for the third-highest total in the league. As a result of Kimbrel’s poor performance, the Orioles are reportedly considering trading for a new closer as the deadline approaches, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Nightengale states that the Orioles are privately acknowledging the need to find a new closer for the remainder of the season due to Kimbrel’s struggles. The team has set its sights on three potential replacements, all of whom currently play for other teams:

1. Ryan Helsley, closer for the St. Louis Cardinals
2. Jordan Romano, closer for the Toronto Blue Jays
3. Ryan Pressly, reliever for the Houston Astros

The Orioles’ interest in these players is contingent on their current teams becoming sellers at the trade deadline, indicating a willingness to part with their star relievers.

A Baltimore Orioles Trade for Ryan Helsley: Securing an Elite Closer

As the Baltimore Orioles continue their impressive run atop the American League East standings, one area of concern has emerged: their bullpen. With closer Craig Kimbrel struggling to find his form, the Orioles have set their sights on a potential trade target that could solidify their late-inning relief efforts.

Enter Ryan Helsley, the hard-throwing closer for the St. Louis Cardinals. Helsley has been a revelation for the Cardinals, showcasing his electric stuff and closing ability. In 2022, he put together a career year, posting a minuscule 1.25 ERA and 19 saves. His combination of power and precision has made him one of the most dominant relievers in the game.

Helsley’s Dominance

Helsley’s fastball routinely reaches the upper 90s, and he complements it with a devastating slider that leaves hitters off-balance. His ability to miss bats is unparalleled, as evidenced by his 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings in 2022. Helsley’s command is equally impressive, as he has consistently maintained a low walk rate throughout his career.

Injury Concerns

One potential concern with Helsley is his injury history. He has dealt with a few setbacks in recent years, including a stint on the injured list in 2022 due to a forearm strain. However, when healthy, Helsley has proven to be a dominant force, and the Orioles would be willing to take on that risk in exchange for his elite talent.

 Bolstering the Bullpen

Adding Helsley to the Orioles’ bullpen would provide a significant boost to their late-inning options. His presence would allow manager Brandon Hyde to deploy him in high-leverage situations, potentially closing out games or setting up for other relievers. Helsley’s addition would also provide depth and flexibility to the bullpen, allowing the Orioles to match up better against opposing lineups.

The Cost of Acquisition

Of course, acquiring a player of Helsley’s caliber would come at a cost. The Orioles would likely need to part with some of their top prospects or a combination of young talent to entice the Cardinals to part ways with their closer. However, given the Orioles’ current position in the standings and their desire to make a deep playoff run, the cost may be worth it.

In conclusion, a trade for Ryan Helsley would be a game-changer for the Baltimore Orioles. His elite talent and closing ability would provide a much-needed boost to their bullpen, solidifying their chances of maintaining their lead in the AL East and making a deep postseason push. As the trade deadline approaches, keep an eye on the Orioles as they look to bolster their roster and make a statement in the American League.

Among the players highlighted by Nightengale, Helsley stands out as the sole performer enjoying a truly exceptional season thus far. In his sixth year in Major League Baseball, the 29-year-old right-handed pitcher has maintained an impressive 1.50 ERA, recording 19 strikeouts across 18 innings pitched. He has secured 11 saves in 16 games finished, leading the MLB in this category. Currently signed to a one-year contract worth $3.8 million, Helsley is also set to remain under club control through the 2025 season.

Given his stellar performance, Helsley is expected to attract significant interest as a valuable trade asset come midseason. While the St. Louis Cardinals may entertain offers, they appear inclined towards a rebuilding phase, making Helsley a prime candidate for a potential trade. As noted by Josh Jacobs of Redbird Rants, the Cardinals’ most valuable and realistic trade asset at this year’s deadline might not be a starting pitcher or a veteran hitter, but rather their elite closer, Ryan Helsley. The impact of having a top-tier closer like Helsley for postseason runs holds considerable value in the trade market, as demonstrated by previous trade deadlines.

Acquiring Jordan Romano and Ryan Pressly through a trade may not be the solution to the Baltimore Orioles’ issues.

Exploring Alternative Closer Options: Romano and Pressly

As the Baltimore Orioles continue their search for a reliable closer to bolster their bullpen, two names have emerged as potential trade targets: Jordan Romano of the Toronto Blue Jays and Ryan Pressly of the Houston Astros. While both players have impressive resumes, their early-season struggles mirror those of the Orioles’ current closer, Craig Kimbrel.

Jordan Romano: A Struggling All-Star

Romano, a 31-year-old two-time All-Star, has been hit hard in the early stages of the 2024 season. In just 8.2 innings pitched, he has posted a concerning 4.15 ERA. The right-hander is currently on a one-year, $7.85 million contract with the Blue Jays.

 Ryan Pressly: Another Underperforming Veteran

Like Romano, Pressly is also a two-time All-Star who has struggled to find his form in 2024. The 35-year-old right-hander has a 5.65 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched so far this season. To make matters worse, Pressly has lost the closer role to free agent addition Josh Hader and has yet to record a save. Pressly is in the second year of a two-year, $30 million contract with a vesting option for 2025.

The Orioles’ Bullpen Dilemma

As the Orioles continue to assess their options, it’s clear that the team needs to make some changes to their bullpen if they want to maintain their position atop the American League East standings. While Romano and Pressly have the potential to be elite closers, their early-season struggles raise concerns about their ability to provide a reliable solution.

 Looking Ahead

Depending on how the rest of the season unfolds, the Orioles may need to explore alternative options to bolster their bullpen. However, one thing seems certain: Craig Kimbrel is unlikely to be the preferred closer for the Orioles in the playoffs, regardless of any trades.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles will need to carefully weigh their options and make decisions that will give them the best chance of success in the postseason. With the team’s strong start to the season, the pressure is on to find a solution that can help them maintain their momentum and make a deep playoff run.