The New York Mets completed a significant trade on Wednesday night, acquiring two-time All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that sent minor-league infielder Jesus Baez and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt to St. Louis. This Ryan Helsley Mets trade upgrade aims to strengthen the Mets’ bullpen as they compete fiercely in the National League East.
Evaluating the Mets’ New Bullpen Reinforcement
The Mets’ front office, led by David Stearns, has aggressively bolstered the bullpen this week, adding three prominent relievers in quick succession: left-hander Gregory Soto, right-hander Tyler Rogers, and now Ryan Helsley. Manager Carlos Mendoza gains a wealth of options late in games, complemented by established closer Edwin Díaz.
Helsley, 31, is a power reliever with an electrifying fastball that averages over 99 mph, which he uses as a secondary pitch behind his dominant upper-80s slider. This slider, featuring a high whiff rate of 45.6%, has helped him secure two All-Star appearances in the last four years. Over his career, he has maintained an impressive 2.03 ERA, paired with a 3.59 strikeout-to-walk ratio, underscoring his effectiveness in high-leverage situations.
Despite these strengths, Helsley has displayed some signs of decline this season. His strikeout and walk rates have dipped compared to last year, and the percentage of hard-hit balls against him—exit velocities of 95 mph or more—has increased by 10 points compared to his 2024 numbers. He has compensated somewhat by inducing more ground balls, limiting potential damage. These factors, while not immediately alarming, could affect his free-agent value this offseason when teams scrutinize durability and consistency, especially for relievers pitching single innings.
Still, the Mets’ urgency to compete in the NL East’s intense arms race, particularly against contenders like the Philadelphia Phillies, is clear. Sacrificing a few prospects to reinforce their bullpen depth makes strategic sense to enhance their chances for the remainder of the season.
Assessing the Cardinals’ Return in the Trade
For the Cardinals, moving a reliever for half a season might not yield star power but could provide substantive long-term value through three promising young players. This trade appears to balance immediate bullpen needs with future roster development.
Jesus Baez, 20, is a versatile infielder capable of playing everywhere except first base. In 75 games this year across Low- and High-A levels, Baez has produced a respectable .242 batting average, .332 on-base percentage, and a .390 slugging percentage, including 10 home runs and seven stolen bases out of 10 attempts. While his slugging rate remains below .400, signs of power emerge from the distribution of his home runs, which have traveled to various parts of the field. Baez’s disciplined approach is evident in a low 16.3% strikeout rate despite his relative youth. Third base is the probable defensive fit for him moving forward.
Nate Dohm, a 22-year-old third-round pick by New York in last summer’s draft, slipped in the draft due to questions about his availability after logging 112 innings over three college seasons. This year, he has posted a 2.87 ERA and a 3.35 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 appearances (17 starts) across Low- and High-A. Dohm’s repertoire features a low-to-mid 90s fastball with about 18 inches of vertical movement and a slider that generates the highest whiff rate among his pitches. If health remains intact, he projects as a potential big-league starting pitcher.
Frank Elissalt, 23, was a 19th-round pick in 2024 from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, the same program that produced players like J.D. Martinez and Miles Mikolas. Elissalt works predominantly out of the bullpen, employing a mid-90s sinker, a changeup resembling a splitter, and two breaking balls released from a relatively low arm slot. His combined Low- and High-A numbers include a 3.04 ERA and a 3.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Cardinals plan to continue developing him as a relief pitcher with multi-inning potential.
Implications and Outlook Following the Trade
This trade marks a strategic move by both franchises reflecting their differing priorities: the Mets are prioritizing immediate bullpen reinforcement to push for a division title, while the Cardinals focus on acquiring young, controllable talent to build future competitiveness. Ryan Helsley’s addition provides New York with a high-velocity arm capable of closing out games or bridging to Edwin Díaz, diversifying Carlos Mendoza’s options late in contests.
For St. Louis, obtaining Baez, Dohm, and Elissalt infuses their system with promising prospects who may contribute at the major league level in coming seasons, offering a blend of offensive potential and pitching depth. With the NL East race intensifying, this trade highlights the importance of bullpen strength and prospect depth in shaping playoff pursuits and rebuilding efforts alike.
“For the third time in a week, and the second time in a matter of hours, top executive David Stearns has delivered manager Carlos Mendoza a new reliever.”
—CBS Sports Analysis
“Baez has also done a nice job of keeping his strikeout rate in check—even this season, while being young for his respective leagues, he’s punched out in just 16.3% of his trips to the plate.”
—CBS Sports Analysis
“Dohm’s arsenal is led by a low-to-mid 90s fastball with nearly 18 inches of induced vertical break.”
—CBS Sports Analysis
“Elissalt delivers a mid-90s sinker, a changeup that almost serves as a splitter, and a pair of breaking balls from a low release point.”
—CBS Sports Analysis
“If giving up a few prospects they won’t miss to better position themselves for the rest of the season is what it takes, then so be it.”
—CBS Sports Analysis