This blockbuster trade proposal would land Orioles All-Star closer from Cardinals

The Orioles could use some more pitching. While starting pitching is their biggest need, a little bullpen help wouldn't hurt either. Another back-end presence to go with Felix Bautista could make them a serious threat to take home their second AL East title in three years. They also have a lot of position players that they could trade to free up space on the roster and make room for some pitching.

The Orioles are without Grayson Rodriguez to start the year, and Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish are also still recovering from arm injuries. But when the trade deadline comes around, almost every contending team is looking for bullpen help, and the Orioles will likely be one of those teams.

The Cardinals are off to a good start, but it's not certain that it will last. If they fall out of contention, they could trade All-Star Ryan Helsley, and the Orioles would certainly benefit from having another high-octane arm in their bullpen.

An Orioles-Cardinals trade for Ryan Helsley could see big-time prospect talent heading back to St. Louis

This trade can work because the Orioles already have a lot of position players. Coby Mayo is essentially blocked with Ryan Mountcastle at first base and Jordan Westburg at third. He's the type of prospect that St. Louis would covet in a potential deal.

Contrary to the Orioles, the Cardinals are low on position players in their pipeline, though they have a lot on their Major League roster. Helsley is a free agent at the end of the year and it's unlikely that St. Louis will keep him past 2025.

In that case, it makes sense for him to be shopped, and the Orioles have the prospect capital that St. Louis would seek. Helsley would instantly boost the Orioles' bullpen and make it arguably one of the best in all of baseball.

This would also allow them to clear out their logjam of position players and fill a need on their big-league roster. The Orioles, unlike St. Louis, are expected to contend all season long, so they'll need to find ways to improve their club at the deadline.

Baltimore will get a look at Helsley when St. Louis comes to town on Memorial Day. Perhaps it could be a dress rehearsal for what's to come in the second half of the season if the Orioles do indeed show interest in the All-Star closer.

Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals record and winning the NL Reliever of the Year award.