As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approached, the New York Mets clearly identified their bullpen as a critical area needing reinforcement. To address this, the Mets made a significant move by acquiring Ryan Helsley, the 2024 National League Reliever of the Year and a two-time NL All-Star, from the St. Louis Cardinals on July 30. This strategic trade aimed to solidify their pitching staff for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Before joining the Mets, Helsley had been a dominant closer for the Cardinals, maintaining a 3.00 ERA with 21 saves and 41 strikeouts across 36 innings pitched during the 2025 campaign. Since his trade, Helsley has pitched three scoreless innings for New York, earning five strikeouts while serving as a set-up man ahead of Mets closer Edwin Diaz.

Helsley Embraces His New Role Without Hesitation

While many relievers place a high value on the closer position, Helsley has shown no frustration over not assuming New York’s ninth-inning role, which remains with Edwin Diaz. In an August 9 Q&A with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Helsley emphasized his team-first mindset, focusing on consistently preventing runs regardless of the inning.

I always tell people, they ask if it’s any different, I don’t think so. I’m trying to throw up a zero, no matter what inning I’m in. I’m trying to help the team win. No matter what inning I get, whether it’s three outs or just one out or finish an inning whatever the case may be, I’m trying to throw up a zero no matter what inning it is,

Helsley explained when asked about bringing a closer’s mentality to his eighth-inning appearances. —Ryan Helsley

When asked if he misses closing, Helsley replied,

I just like being a part of the team, just getting outs and helping the team anyway I can.

—Ryan Helsley

This perspective highlights Helsley’s willingness to prioritize team success above individual statistics, a mindset that has earned respect among Mets fans and teammates alike.

Implications for the Mets’ Postseason Push

Ryan Helsley’s arrival adds a crucial late-inning weapon to the Mets bullpen, which has been a major concern throughout the season. Reliable relief pitching often proves decisive in playoff scenarios, and Helsley’s proven ability to close out games enhances New York’s chances if they qualify for the postseason. However, the Mets must improve their overall performance to secure a playoff berth.

The integration of Helsley alongside Edwin Diaz gives the Mets one of the stronger bullpen tandems in the league. Helsley’s acceptance of a set-up role instead of the closer position reduces potential clubhouse friction and demonstrates his dedication to contributing wherever the team requires.

This acquisition underscores the Mets’ commitment to boosting their pitching depth and reflects careful front office planning aimed at postseason contention. How Helsley’s veteran experience impacts the Mets’ bullpen dynamics will be a key factor as the season progresses.