The Boston Red Sox have been hit with injuries to three key starting pitchers this spring, as Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito, and Brayan Bello are all expected to start the season on the injured list. However, Boston’s biggest concern isn’t its rotation—it’s the lack of a clear closer with just two weeks until Opening Day.
Currently, Liam Hendriks, Aroldis Chapman, and Justin Slaten are expected to share closing duties, a noticeable downgrade from last season when Kenley Jansen held the role. If the Red Sox want to solidify the position, they could make a blockbuster trade for St. Louis Cardinals closer, who is likely to be moved before reaching free agency next offseason.
Spotrac projects to star to land an $81 million contract in free agency, making him an expensive trade target, but one that could be well worth it for Boston. Instead of relying on an uncertain bullpen committee, the Red Sox would be getting the hard-throwing right-hander who led the league in saves last season. Helsley, 30, posted a stellar 2.04 ERA over 66 1/3 innings, recorded a career-high 49 saves, and was worth 3.0 WAR—all while playing for a struggling Cardinals team. If he joins Boston, he could potentially surpass 50 saves in 2025.