The New York Yankees sit atop the American League East division with a winning record to open the season, but they’ve already been forced to make a major change.
After bringing in a slew of proven talent following Juan Soto’s defection to the New York Mets, the Yankees have seen some mixed results from their newest star players. Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried have been instant contributors. Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, though, have struggled.
After serving as one of baseball’s best shutdown closers for the Milwaukee Brewers in the past few seasons, Williams has posted a 10.00 ERA in his first nine innings with the Yankees, which prompted his removal from the closer role.
Now, as the Yankees look to return to the World Series, they could be shopping for a new closer at the trade deadline. Following Williams’ struggles, Major League Baseball insider Robert Murray linked the Yankees to St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley as a potential trade replacement.
“If Williams comes back to the closer role and struggles, that’s when Brian Cashman will be forced to look outside the organization for pitching reinforcements,” Murray wrote. “One option that would make sense is Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals’ closer who is already drawing trade interest… There will be many other relievers made available before the deadline, of course. But Helsley figures to be the big fish that’s available.”
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However, Helsley’s 2025 isn’t off to a much better start. After earning All-Star nods in both 2022 and 2024, and leading all of MLB with 49 saves last season, Helsley sits at a 3.60 ERA across his first 10 innings this season. He has logged just four saves as the Cardinals have limped to a 12-17 start.
Still, if the Yankees believe Helsley’s stuff has maintained its high standard and that he’d be able to perform in high-leverage situations, they could be turning to the trade market for a new closer once again.
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