Tigers listed as possible landing spot for Cardinals 2x All-Star closer

The Detroit Tigers have struggled a little bit as of late and no longer own the best record in Major League Baseball, though they still have the second-best record in the American League.

Detroit is also up nine games over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. They lost to Cleveland in the ALDS last October.

Last year, the Tigers were sellers at the trade deadline, but went on an unprecedented run to capture a Wild Card spot. With the team in first place, they'll take a different approach this summer.

They could use bullpen help. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report linked them to St. Louis Cardinals All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

"He went through a rough patch in early June, blowing saves in three consecutive appearances. Since then, though, he has reeled it back in and should be a top target for bullpen shoppers the likes of the Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers and Tigers," Miller wrote.

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Helsley is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves in 36 appearances with St. Louis this year. Last year, he saved 49 games, which set a Cardinals franchise record.

That was enough for him to be named the National League Reliever of the Year. He hasn't been quite as dominant this year, but will still be worth a lot.

The Cardinals will have a high asking price for the two-time All-Star, but the Tigers are fortunate to have a very deep farm system, which will allow them to pull off such a deal if they show interest in Helsley.

The Tigers need help at the back end of their bullpen, and Helsley could be just what they need in order to turn things around and remain among the top AL teams in the second half.

We'll see if they target the right-hander.

More MLB: Tigers contacted Pirates about 2.37 ERA two-time All-Star closer