The Atlanta Braves have had a lackluster start to the season. Going 0-7 to start a season is never how any team wants to start a new campaign. There has been some fight in the team to get back to 21-21, but they have stayed at or below the .500 mark majority of the season.
Fans want things to change for the better, and soon. A team that won the World Series less than five years ago should not be struggling like Atlanta has this season. The team still boasts a talented lineup. Ronald Acuña Jr., returning from injury, will be a major jolt to the Braves' offense. The starting pitching has been serviceable for the Braves, with an ERA of 4.11, ranking 13th in the MLB.
The Braves could use help anywhere on the roster. However, they have a glaring need in the bullpen. After being 3rd in the league last season, the bullpen is 21st with a 3.62 ERA and 3.85 FIP. When looking over teams with relievers to move, St. Louis has floated the idea of trading away last year's Reliever of the Year, Ryan Helsley.
Ryan Helsley Is the Ideal Braves Target
The 2024 NL Reliever of the Year posted a 1.39 ERA and 13.1 K/9 last season while converting 33 of 36 save opportunities. Though his ERA has dropped to 2.82 as of May, he remains a dominant force in the bullpen. A presence like Helsley's would undoubtedly help the Braves close more close games.
Ryan Helsley is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. While it does not sound appealing, it could be exactly what Atlanta is looking for. All they need is a boost to revamp a struggling season. At the end of the year, if he plays the rest of the season well enough, Atlanta can work out a new contract. If not, no harm caused.
While he has yet to have a season quite like last year, he is an asset that would fill the void of the Angel Perdomo trade well. It might take some magic on the Braves' front office end, but it can be done.