The New York Mets have acquired Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals’ former closer, in a trade that aims to bolster their struggling bullpen during the 2025 season. As Mets fans watch cautiously, the move generates both optimism and skepticism given Helsley’s recent inconsistencies and injury history. This trade directly targets the Mets’ urgent need for a reliable late-inning reliever to improve their chances during a critical stretch of the season.
What Ryan Helsley Offers as a Bullpen Asset
When Ryan Helsley is performing at his peak, he is a dominant force on the mound. In 2024, he set a new franchise record for the Cardinals with 49 saves in a single season, showcasing a fastball that averages 99.3 mph, complemented by a slider that keeps hitters off balance. Despite a less stellar start to 2025, Helsley has still secured 21 saves in 26 chances with a 3.00 ERA, evidence that he remains effective even amid challenges.
However, this season has revealed some vulnerabilities. Helsley has battled injuries and faced what some describe as technical problems, leading to an increase in home runs allowed and a decrease in his strikeout rate. While he may not be the consistent, dominant closer he was in 2024, Helsley still represents a significant upgrade over the Mets’ current relief staff, which has been struggling to maintain leads.
The Mets’ Struggles Create an Urgent Need for Improvement
The Mets’ bullpen has encountered significant issues throughout the season. Since June 1, they rank near the bottom of the league with a bullpen ERA of 4.87, placing 25th in that category and 28th in win probability added. Injuries have devastated key relievers like A.J. Minter and Max Kranick, forcing healthy pitchers to shoulder heavy workloads and causing frequent blown saves. This decline has created an urgent necessity for fresh, reliable arms to stabilize late innings for a team still chasing postseason success.
What the Mets Sacrificed to Acquire Helsley
The price the Mets paid to bring Helsley to Queens was substantial, sending three players back to St. Louis. This high cost reflects both the Mets’ determination to contend this season and the market value of an accomplished closer still in his contract year. For a franchise aiming for the World Series, this gamble fits the narrative of doubling down on win-now moves despite the risks. Should Helsley find his previous form, this trade could redefine the effectiveness of the Mets’ bullpen.
Assessing Whether Helsley Can Transform the Mets’ Relief Core
The critical question remains: will Helsley be enough to fix all of the Mets’ bullpen troubles? The short answer is no, but his presence marks a positive shift. Alongside Tyler Rogers, another recent acquisition, the Mets now have a more imposing tandem for late innings, improving their chances to close out games. Helsley’s immediate performance will be decisive; a strong run could elevate him to savior status, while struggles might intensify fan frustrations as the season progresses toward August and beyond.
Contract Challenges and Future Prospects
Adding complexity to this trade is Helsley’s contract situation. With his deal expiring at the end of this season, he is expected to pursue a lucrative long-term contract during the offseason, potentially reaching nine figures. The Mets face a critical decision if they want to retain him beyond 2025, which could involve negotiating one of the largest contracts ever offered to a closer, reflecting both Helsley’s value and the competitive pressures within <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB.
Implications of the Helsley Trade for the Mets’ Season
This bold acquisition underscores the Mets’ willingness to take risks and make high-stakes moves as they fight to remain contenders. Helsley’s impact will be closely watched, as his ability to lock down crucial save opportunities could define the team’s late-season trajectory. For now, his arrival symbolizes hope for improvement in a bullpen that has struggled and a franchise determined to push all chips forward during a critical campaign in Queens.