The New York Mets have reached an agreement to acquire Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, completing a trade that sends infield prospect Jesus Baez and two other minor leaguers, Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt, to St. Louis. This deal, confirmed by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com and reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, adds a powerful arm to the Mets’ bullpen as they look to strengthen their late-inning pitching options.
Helsley Brings Elite Velocity and Strong Closing Experience
Ryan Helsley’s fastball averages over 99 miles per hour, providing the Mets with a high-velocity weapon for closing games. Although opponents have hit .406 and slugged .522 against his fastball this season, Helsley’s complementing slider in the upper 80s has limited their success. Over 36 innings, he has maintained a 3.00 earned run average (ERA) while striking out 26.1% of batters faced and generating a 16.1% swinging strike rate, showcasing his effectiveness despite some recent challenges.
Consistent Performance as a Proven Closer
This marks Helsley’s fourth straight season of reliable performance in the closing role he took over in 2022. Over the past three-plus years, he has converted 103 saves out of 121 opportunities and sustained an ERA of 2.45 or better from 2021 through 2023. After a slow start to this season, with an April ERA of 3.60 accompanied by eight walks and ten strikeouts, Helsley has improved significantly since May 1, posting a 2.77 ERA while maintaining strong strikeout (27.4%) and walk (5.3%) rates.
Impact of the Trade on Mets Bullpen Strength
The acquisition of Helsley represents the Mets’ third major bullpen addition in recent days, following hard-throwing left-hander Gregory Soto from Baltimore and submariner Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants. With these moves, New York’s bullpen is gaining versatility and increased power late in games, a strategic focus as they push through the season.
Next Steps for the Mets’ Pitching Staff
By adding Ryan Helsley, the Mets aim to solidify their closing options and enhance their relief pitching depth. The trade signals the team’s commitment to fortifying their roster beyond the starting rotation, hoping these new arms can help the Mets sustain competitiveness. Further developments regarding roster adjustments could follow as the team integrates these acquisitions into its bullpen strategy.