The New York Mets have completed a significant trade to bolster their bullpen by acquiring All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, as reported by the New York Post on Wednesday, one day before Major League Baseball’s July 31 trade deadline. This move aims to strengthen the Mets’ pitching staff for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Helsley’s Performance and Recent Challenges
Ryan Helsley, 31, has delivered a solid season, posting a 3.09 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 12 unintentional walks over 35 innings pitched for the Cardinals. Although his performance has been strong overall, Helsley experienced a setback earlier in the season due to a toe injury, which disrupted his pitching mechanics. Since recovering, Helsley has generally improved in form and recently achieved his 100th career save milestone.
Career Highlights and Pitching Strengths
In 2024, Helsley set a new franchise record for the Cardinals with 49 saves in a single season—a total that also ranked first in Major League Baseball. Over his career, he has maintained an ERA+ of 154 and recorded 355 strikeouts in nearly 300 innings pitched. Helsley is recognized for his elite fastball velocity, with his four-seam fastball averaging 99.3 miles per hour so far this season, complemented by a highly effective slider.
Contract Situation and Future Prospects
Helsley is owed the remainder of an $8.2 million salary for the 2025 season. While he will be eligible for free agency this winter, having changed teams mid-season disqualifies him from receiving a qualifying offer before reaching the open market. Helsley remains free to negotiate a contract extension with the Mets or pursue free agency after the season concludes.