The Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be in pursuit of high-leverage relievers this offseason.
General manager Mike Hazen is on the record stating the team tried to acquire Devin Williams prior to him being dealt to the New York Yankees, according to John Gambadoro.
The reliever market has been much slower than expected this offseason. As a result, the Diamondbacks could opt to acquire that big reliever in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for $8 million closer Ryan Helsley.
![St. Louis Cardinals, Relief Pitcher, Ryan Helsley](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2545690/st-louis-cardinals-relief-pitcher-ryan-helsley.jpg?w=1200&f=ef04e0f84929328d6bf11d90c73a0659)
Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Here is a potential deal that could send Helsley to Arizona:
- Arizona Diamondbacks Acquire: Ryan Helsley
- St. Louis Cardinals Acquire: LHP Yu-Min Lin (No. 5 Prospect), 3B Gino Groover (No. 9 Prospect)
Two prospects from the top 10 may seem like a steep price to pay, but not when you consider Helsley’s contract. The 30-year-old closer is set to make just $8.1 million in 2025.
This is notable because the Diamondbacks haven’t given out more an average annual value (AAV) above $7 million to a reliever under Hazen. If that trend continues, Arizona may be more willing to cough up some top prospects.
While there are some options available on the free agent market that fall under that price tag, it’s going to be tough for the Diamondbacks to get Helsley’s production at that value.
Helsley posted a 2.04 ERA for St. Louis this year with a personal-best 49 saves in 66 1/3 innings. He was the lone All-Star in 2024 for the Cardinals and is showing no signs of slowing down.
More MLB: Mets Predicted to Steal $54 Million Closer From Padres in Free Agency