Phillies Linked to Ryan Helsley: Former MLB GM Makes Trade Proposal Involving Mick Abel

As the Philadelphia Phillies look for ways to improve the big league roster, they might have to find help outside the organization to fix their leaking bullpen.

The starting rotation has a plethora of arms, but the bullpen could use a reliever upgrade or two in order to fix their bullpen shortcomings; they might have to deal from a position of strength.

Phillies Seeking Bullpen Help

It's no secret that the Phillies need bullpen help. The team has already been linked to St Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, and one former MLB GM, Jim Bowden, put together a deal that might bring him to Philadelphia.

Bowden, who writes for The Athletic, puts together a deal sending Helsley to Philadelphia in exchange for former first-round pick Mick Abel in his most recent five trades I’d like to see in May that feel like good fits for both sides article.

Bowden mentions that Dave Dombrowski told him on SiriusXM radio that the team needs a right-handed bullpen arm.

Their top righty reliever options, Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering, have gotten off to slow starts. I think their top target should be Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who is considered one of the best in the sport.

Mick Abel Could Be the Trade Chip

To land Helsley, the Phillies would have to part with Abel, who was the 15th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft.

He’s been slow to develop, as it’s taken him a while to find command and control of his pitches. However, he’s off to a promising start this season with a 2.75 ERA over 39 1/3 innings at Triple A. He’s averaged 3.9 walks per nine innings this season after allowing 6.5 per nine last season. (He’s averaged 5.2 per nine in his minor-league career.)

The deal makes sense for both sides, with the Phillies in desperate need of a right-handed bullpen arm, while the Cardinals get a young, potential top-of-the-rotation starter. The Phillies have a surplus of starting pitching, with Abel not really in the picture at this time.

The team is committed to Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Christopher Sanchez, with Andrew Painter scheduled to make his big league debut later this summer, making Abel expendable.

One problem with Helsley is, he hasn't been nearly as dominant as he was in 2024 so far this season, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP with five saves in 12 games, striking out 11 in 12 innings pitched.

Last year, Helsley notched 49 saves along with a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched.

So Phillies fans, would you make this trade? Let us know what you think!