Mets acquire Ryan Helsley: New York strengthens relief pitching corps by acquiring electrifying closer from St. Louis Cardinals
The New York Mets have made a significant move to strengthen their bullpen, acquiring hard-throwing right-handed closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Helsley, known for his blazing fastball that averages over 99 MPH, is coming off a 2025 season where he posted a 3.09 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 12 unintentional walks in 35 innings. His impressive repertoire is complemented by a sharp upper-80s slider, which has helped him maintain a 16.1% swinging strike rate and 26.1% strikeout rate. Despite some struggles with opponents hitting his fastball, Helsley's velocity and ability to miss bats effectively have made him a formidable force in the game.
Helsley has established himself as a dominant closer since assuming the role with the Cardinals in 2022. Over the past three-plus years, he has recorded 103 saves in 121 chances, consistently having a sub-2.50 ERA from 2021 through 2023. In 2024, he led Major League Baseball in saves with 49, a feat that earned him a spot in the All-Star game for the second time in his career.
The Mets are hoping Helsley will pair well with Edwin Diaz, providing a formidable duo of elite-level closers. Helsley is expected to serve as the setup man, offering a power arm capable of consistently throwing over 99 MPH.
The acquisition of Helsley is part of a larger reshaping of the Mets' bullpen. The team has also acquired Tyler Rogers and Gregory Soto to bolster the back-end of the relief corps.
In addition to his on-field prowess, Helsley brings a strong resume to the Mets. He is owed the remainder of an $8.2 million salary for this season and is eligible for free agency this coming winter.
The Cardinals received prospects in return, including Dohm and Elissalt, who have impressed in the minor leagues this year. Dohm has pitched to a 2.87 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 62 2⁄3 innings, while Elissalt has worked 56 1⁄3 total innings, posting a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts.
Baez, another prospect acquired in the trade, brings pro experience at second and third base in addition to shortstop. In 75 games this season, Baez has a batting line of .242/.332/.390 with 11 doubles, 10 homers, 42 RBI, 46 runs, and 7 steals.
Kelly, another player acquired in the trade, is ineligible to receive a qualifying offer heading into the winter.
With the addition of Helsley, the Mets are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs in the second half of the 2025 season.
- The New York Mets' acquisition of Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals aims to bolster their bullpen, with Helsley posting a record of 103 saves in 121 chances since 2022.
- Helsley's impressive 2025 season saw him lead Major League Baseball in saves with 49, a performance that earned him a spot in the All-Star game.
- The Mets are hoping Helsley will partner well with Edwin Diaz, creating a formidable duo of elite-level closers, as Helsley is expected to serve as the setup man, offering a power arm capable of consistently throwing over 99 MPH.
- The Cardinals received prospects in return for Helsley, including Dohm and Elissalt, who have shown promise in the minor leagues this year.
- Known for his blazing fastball and sharp upper-80s slider, Helsley's acquisition marks a significant move by the Mets in reshaping their bullpen, as they aim to make a strong push for the playoffs in the second half of the 2025 season.
- The Mets also acquired Tyler Rogers and Gregory Soto to further strengthen their bullpen during the ongoing sports season.
