Red Sox could target $8.2 million Cardinals All-Star to boost bullpen
While some thought they would be sellers at the trade deadline after the Rafael Devers deal, that may not be the case now. They are a contender and could use some help in the coming weeks.
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They'll need a little bit of help with their bullpen, as beyond closer Aroldis Chapman, there are question marks. A little help at the back end certainly wouldn't hurt.
Sean McAdam of MassLive.com proposed the idea of Boston trading for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
"It's possible the Sox could acquire a closer like Ryan Helsley or Pittsburgh's David Bednar and utilize him in the eighth," McAdam said.
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Helsley saved 49 games last year, setting a Cardinals franchise record and earning National League Reliever of the Year honors.
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This year, the 30-year-old right-hander hasn't been quite as dominant, posting a 3.27 ERA in 33 appearances, but he has still recorded 19 saves with St. Louis.
The two-time All-Star could help Boston form a deadly combination at the back end of its bullpen in the second half of the season. Two proven closers will give the Red Sox a great chance to reach the postseason and potentially even gain ground in the AL East.
The Red Sox will have to give up a good deal of prospects for the All-Star closer if they decide to trade for him. However, they have a strong farm system and could easily pull off a deal.
We'll see where the Red Sox land in their search for bullpen help.
More MLB: Red Sox's interest in trade for former Cy Young winner revealed
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