Breaking: Proposed Blockbuster Trade Brings $8M All-Star to Blue Jays’ Roster
The Toronto Blue Jays made a surprising move on Friday, but a much bigger move could still be on the way.
After an injury-plagued 2024 season that saw him post a 6.59 ERA in just 15 appearances, the Blue Jays opted to non-tender two-time American League All-Star closer Jordan Romano. The 31-year-old Canadian had 105 saves in his five-year Blue Jays career, but now, he’ll be looking for a new home.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently named the “perfect transaction” for the Blue Jays this winter: dealing for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who led Major League Baseball with 49 saves and was named the Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year in the National League in 2024.
“The reboot of the Cardinals is underway after they followed their worst full season in more than 30 years with a middling 2024. They have questions everywhere, most of which involve who stays,” Passan said.
“Closer Ryan Helsley is as good as gone, but where?”
“The perfect transaction: Trade closer Ryan Helsley to Toronto.”
In addition to the 49 saves, the 30-year-old Helsley posted a 2.04 ERA in 66 1/3 innings this season, striking out 79 batters. He owns a 2.63 career ERA, and since the start of the 2022 season, he has a 1.83 ERA in 152 games.
For all intents and purposes, it seems like Helsley, who will be a free agent after the 2025 season, is up for grabs. The Blue Jays, coming off a surprise last-place finish, know that their window is closing, so they would be wise to grab Helsley to strengthen their playoff case.
