Orioles could make blockbuster trade with Cardinals to save bullpen for 2025

The Baltimore Orioles saw their season end in heartbreaking fashion when they were swept in the American League Wild Card Series by the Kansas City Royals. It was another strong season for the O's, but yet another that ended in disappointment. Baltimore could use a little pitching this offseason to improve for 2025.

The Orioles are fortunate that closer Felix Bautista will be returning next season after missing all of 2024. But it might make sense for the O's to target another high-end closer to bolster the bullpen.

One pitcher they've been linked to in the past is Ryan Helsley, who just broke the single season record in saves for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are rebuilding and could look to shop Helsley with his value being as high as it is.

This potential trade package could get a deal done and land the Orioles the top closer in the league.

An Orioles-Cardinals trade to land Baltimore MLB's top closer

Adding Helsley would give Baltimore a scary back end of the bullpen. He and Bautista would form perhaps the deadliest duo in all of baseball.

Of course, it's going to take a lot for the Orioles to get this done. St. Louis' asking price will likely be very high. Fortunately though, Baltimore has the young, cost-controlled pitching that the Cardinals would likely seek.

It would hurt to lose Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott, but they are Major League ready and could help St. Louis right away while the Orioles beef up their bullpen. And of course, every good trade hurts to make at least a little bit, so if the Orioles want to add Helsley, this is the type of package it's going to take to get them what they need for next season.

This would signal that the Orioles do indeed intend to compete in 2025 and build off of their success over the last two years. The future is certainly bright for the Orioles, but adding Helsley would signal that they'll be going for it in 2025.

The time is now for the Orioles to take bold action in order to build the strongest possible team. They would certainly be in a better place to challenge the Yankees for the top spot in the AL East.

It will be interesting to see if the Orioles are ultimately in the mix for Helsley. He'll cost a hefty package, but it's worth it if the Orioles want to catch the Yankees next year.