The New York Yankees will try to reclaim the American East Lead after the All-Star Break. They have World Series aspirations and may need to be aggressive at the trade deadline to reach them.
The Yankees added Devin Williams in the offseason to be their closer. He struggled early, was removed from the closer’s role and reclaimed the job when Luke Weaver went down. Williams has been playing like the 2-time All-Star he is lately, but that may not discourage the Yankees from adding more relievers at the trade deadline.
Weaver and Williams have been a dominant duo at the backend of the bullpen at times, but both have been inconsistent this year. Maybe they can start playing more consistent in the second half, but the Yankees may not want to risk a World Series on a “maybe.”
Adding another high-leverage arm could be great for the Yankees as they look to make a deep run. SNY’s John Harper predicted they would trade for Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Helsley, the Cardinals’ closer, is having a mediocre season and is a free agent-to-be, so he could be available even though the Cards are very much in the NL Wild Card race, wrote Harper. “His 99 mph fastball is getting hit hard this year, mostly due to poor command, but his slider is a big weapon, as opponents are hitting just .098 against it. That’s why Helsley could be especially useful if a team can pick certain matchups for him rather than having him close. That could work for the Yanks, who need more depth in the late innings even if Luke Weaver and Devin Williams find more consistency in the second half.”
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Helsley is projected to earn a six-year, $81 million deal in free agency. The Cardinals are unlikely to pay him, and may want to get something in return before letting him walk. He is a two-time All-Star, Trevor Hoffman Award Winner and led the league in saves last season.
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