Report: Blue Jays, D-Backs eyeing Cardinals' Helsley

The St. Louis Cardinals received trade interest from the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks surrounding All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, a source told MLB.com's John Denton, Mark Feinsand, and Bryan Hoch.

The Blue Jays could use an established closer after non-tendering Jordan Romano, who later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Meanwhile, the D-Backs let Paul Sewald walk in free agency after the emergence of 23-year-old Justin Martinez as a ninth-inning option.

St. Louis reportedly offered Helsley to Toronto in trade talks involving catcher Danny Jansen following the 2022 campaign. However, a deal never materialized.

Helsley, the reigning NL Reliever of the Year, authored a 2.04 ERA with a 10.7 K/9 and an MLB-best 49 saves in 2024. The 30-year-old right-hander owns a 2.35 FIP and 5.8 fWAR over a combined 167 2/3 innings since 2022.

The Cardinals have also gotten inquires from the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers about starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz, according to Denton, Feinsand, and Hoch.