The Boston Red Sox had an active offseason on the pitching side acquiring frontline starters Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet, while also bolstering the bullpen by adding flamethrowing southpaw Aroldis Chapman and right-hander Liam Hendriks.
However, Boston lost closer Kenley Jansen to free agency, and that leaves a slight question mark for who will finish games for the Red Sox. As of now, it looks like Chapman will be the ninth-inning man, but as the season goes on, Boston could look to make an impactful trade for a star closer.
According to Bleacher Report’s “Top 10 Players Most Likely to be Traded”, the Red Sox are named as a potential trade suitor for St. Louis Cardinals two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.
Aug 17, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third base Nolan Arenado (28) and shortstop Masyn Winn (0) greet St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley (56, right) after Helsley pitched in relief in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium.
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Helsley would be a great addition for Boston as he’s one of the best closers in the game right now and led the league with 49 saves in 2024. He has a staggering 1.83 ERA since 2022, throwing 167.2 innings and striking out 225 hitters over that span.
Health will be a big factor for Helsley but as the Cardinals are in the midst of a transitional/rebuild season, if the hard-throwing righty can just stay healthy for half of the season, there’s no doubt he will be the hottest commodity reliever on the trade market.
The Red Sox certainly have the prospect capital to give up for Helsley, and could even move off one of their young players who is already MLB-ready.
If Boston wants to content past the regular season this year, which the team’s active offseason makes it clear they do, they will need to ensure the ninth-inning isn’t going to be a problem on a nightly basis.
