Phillies’ Bullpen Concerns Could Spark Major Trade for $81 Million Star
The Philadelphia Phillies are shaping up to be serious contenders against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for a World Series title this season. However, if they hope to truly compete at the highest level, upgrades are needed—especially in the bullpen.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have growing concerns about one of their top relief pitchers, Jordan Romano. Once a dominant force with a fastball averaging 96.8 mph two seasons ago, Romano’s velocity has now dipped into the 92–94 mph range. Compounding the issue, he’s also been struggling to hold runners on base.
“The Phillies have become concerned with closer Jordan Romano,” Nightengale reported. “This helps explain why the Blue Jays chose not to tender him a contract last offseason, allowing Philadelphia to sign him on a one-year, $8.5 million deal.”
If Romano continues to falter in high-pressure situations, the Phillies may feel compelled to pursue a top-tier replacement—and that could lead them to St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. The hard-throwing right-hander is in the final year of his deal and is expected to command a massive contract in free agency, potentially worth around $81 million, according to Spotrac.
With the Cardinals unlikely to offer Helsley that kind of money to stay, a trade before the deadline could benefit both teams. Philadelphia, after losing Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman to free agency and failing to fill those gaps, would see Helsley as a major upgrade for the late innings.
Though acquiring Helsley would likely come at a steep price, the Phillies may be willing to pay it—especially if it means boosting their bullpen for a deep postseason run.
Leave a Reply