The New York Yankees have effectively shifted their focus away from Juan Soto after missing out on the superstar in free agency. While they’ve added significant talent, their offseason work isn’t finished yet. New York may be considering bolstering their bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley potentially available as the prime target. The Yankees might look to structure a trade around Marcus Stroman, despite reports that St. Louis has rejected a proposed deal involving Stroman for Nolan Arenado.
Here’s a potential trade that could land Helsley in the Bronx, centered around Stroman:
New York Yankees receive: RHP Ryan Helsley, RHP Miles Mikolas
St. Louis Cardinals receive: RHP Marcus Stroman, RHP Chase Hampton (No. 6 prospect)
There are several components to this deal. Initially, let’s consider the exchange of Miles Mikolas for Stroman. Mikolas would move to New York, where he would be released, allowing the Yankees to absorb the remainder of his contract while the Cardinals acquire Stroman, who has a vesting option for 2026. This arrangement alleviates a year of financial burden for the Yankees while giving the Cardinals a more effective pitcher. Additionally, the trade would involve the Yankees’ sixth-ranked prospect, Chase Hampton, in exchange for Helsley. At 23, Hampton possesses a variety of impressive pitches that enable him to outmaneuver hitters effectively, showcasing dominance in his career thus far and projecting as a potential front-line starter in the future.
Bringing in Helsley would be an excellent luxury for the Yankees. Although they already have Devin Williams serving as their closer, acquiring Helsley would create one of the most formidable late-inning duos in MLB history.
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