Phillies Linked To Trade For Cardinals Pitcher Not Named Ryan Helsley
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The St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies have long been linked to a trade that would send Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley to Philadelphia.
The Phillies need relief pitching this season, and Helsley is the top name on the market. But if Philadelphia doesn't want to trade away the prospects it would take to land Helsley, it could turn to a different Cardinals pitcher as a trade target.
Colin Keane of Sports Illustrated recently suggested the Cardinals and Phillies could come together on a trade that would send reliever Steven Matz to Philadelphia.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 3: Steven Matz #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Busch Stadium on June 3, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 3: Steven Matz #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Busch Stadium on June 3, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri."The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for the 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline," Keane wrote. "Between now and July 31, Philadelphia's front office will be tasked with adding pieces to ensure World Series contention.
"Philadelphia should be monitoring the St. Louis Cardinals as important sellers, especially as MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan recently identified 34-year-old reliever Steven Matz as a possible trade chip. This trade could be a win-win, giving the Phillies a proven arm to chase a World Series title while providing the Cardinals with assets to bolster their ongoing youth movement."
Matz has been solid this season and would provide the Phillies with a solid lefty out of the bullpen. But Philadelphia needs a big upgrade, not a trivial one.
If the Phillies are going to call the Cardinals, it should be about the aforementioned Helsley. It would be quite disappointing the the Philadelphia faithful if Matz were to be the team's top bullpen acquisition of the season.
It wouldn't be a bad move if the Phillies could add him for cheap, but it can't be the only bullpen addition if they're serious about competing for a World Series this season.
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