Ryan Helsley (TB)

[Talkin' Baseball]

There are many contenders in need of help in the back of the bullpen, and Ryan Helsley is likely to be one of the best available. At the deadline last year, the Padres traded for Tanner Scott and gave up Robby Snelling who was their #2 prospect and the #44 prospect in baseball at the time, Adam Mazur who was their #4 prospect, Graham Pauley who was their #5 prospect, and #24 prospect Jay Brashears. Their total trade value was 3X what Scott’s was at the time. I would DEFINITELY trade Helsley.
Though I think they wouldn’t do it, my first attempt would be with the Dodgers. Here’s why- I want them to take Arenado too. I would talk to them early and wouldn’t spend much time with them. I also wouldn’t haggle too much. Here’ what I would want- for Helsley I would want 21-year-old left-hander Jackson Ferris who is pitching at AA. He is their highest rated pitching prospect and was their minor league pitcher of the year last year. He is the #59 ranked prospect in MLB (about 20 spots behind Quinn Mathews). For Arenado, I am willing to include 20M and take Bobby Miller who is being tortured at AAA in return. According to Baseball Trade Values, Miller has a trade value of zero- nothing! I wouldn’t separate Helsley and Arenado, if they don’t want Nolan- they can’t have Helsley. I really don’t think the Dodgers will do this, but I would try it first- give them a day or two to decide, then move on.
My backup plan, and a plan that could really shift the balance of power in the NL playoffs is with the Phillies. The trade may be too clumsy to happen. My suggestion is to trade Helsley, Nootbaar, Matz and our #4 prospect, catcher Jimmy Crooks for their #2 prospect Aidan Milller (SS), #3 prospect Justin Crawford (CF), and#8 prospect Mick Abel (P). If they don’t want to part with that many prospects- send us Andrew Painter and be done with it! (Tongue in cheek)
The Phillies get the best closer on the market and they desperately need one, and though he has slumped lately, an upgrade in LF with Noot. As we know, he has played all three OF spots and can bat up and down in the order. Lars also has 2 years of control left after this one. The Phillies get a replacement for Realmuto, whose contract expires at years’ end. They may bring Crooks up soon. In addition to Realmuto, Schwarber’s contract is up, as well as Ranger Suarez. Their window to win is now. A contender doesn’t often get an opportunity to add this many functional pieces- and they get to do it without touching the big-league roster. They get some years of control going forward from Nootbaar and Crooks. Dombrowski has been willing to trade prospects for present gains before.
In Miller the Cardinals would get the #22 prospect in baseball. A 21-year-old at AA with some pop. He could be Arenado’s replacement whether he leaves, or not. Crawford is a 21-year old speedster at AAA. He may be faster than Victor Scott. This year he is hitting .336 with an OPS of .842 and 26 steals. Abel is right-handed starting pitcher blocked at AAA much like McGreevy. He has made a couple MLB spot starts this year and has done well.
Comment on the above, rank the below, or make your own suggestions.
1) Helsley, Arenado, and 20M to Dodgers for Jackson Ferris and Bobby Miller.
2) Helsley, Nootbaar, Matz, and Crooks to Phillies for Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Mick Abel
3) Helsley to Philadelphia for Mick Abel and Mavis Graves
4) Helsley to Texas for Emiliano Teodo, Kohl Drake, and Mitch Bratt