Ryan Helsley, a two-time All-Star closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, recently hinted at a 90% chance of being traded. It turns out he was spot on. The New York Mets acquired Helsley in a trade confirmed by league sources.
Helsley expressed that the chances of this happening had never been higher. Earlier this year, he hoped for a contract extension but now faces a different reality. The Mets traded Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm, and Frank Elissalt to the Cardinals in exchange.
Joining the Mets reshuffled bullpen, Helsley and Tyler Rogers, another recent acquisition, will support Edwin Díaz as set-up men. Helsley was ranked No. 26 on The Athletic’s trade deadline board, especially significant after the Cleveland Guardians’ closer, Emmanuel Clase, faced a temporary leave due to a sports betting investigation.
Though not as dominant as last season, Helsley is still among the league’s top closers. He has a 3.00 ERA over 36 games, securing 21 saves and 41 strikeouts. His fastball averages an impressive 99.3 mph and boasts high chase and whiff rates.
Concerns remain about his fastball command, as it has been hit harder this season. However, his skill set, along with experience, solidifies him as a valuable addition to the Mets’ bullpen. He is owed $2.6 million for the season, set before he enters free agency this winter.
This trade represents a strategic shift for the Cardinals, who are also likely to trade other players to gather more prospects. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak emphasized the need to look towards the future, focusing on long-term planning for 2026 and beyond.
Experts in the field see relief pitching as a valuable asset in today’s market. Many teams are actively seeking closers, making this a critical time for trades. Other notable closers available include David Bednar from the Pirates and Pete Fairbanks from the Rays.
As teams adjust their rosters, the Mets’ emphasis on shoring up their bullpen aligns with a broader trend in baseball, where the market for quality relief pitchers is notably competitive.
For more insights into recent trades and their impact on various teams, check out ESPN’s trade tracker.
Source link
New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, MLB
