Closer Ryan Helsley Traded To the New York Mets

Have the New York Mets finally found their bullpen savior, or are they doubling down on desperation? Ryan Helsley, the St. Louis Cardinals’ former closer, is packing his bags and heading to Queens. And while Mets fans are cautiously optimistic, plenty of skeptics are raising eyebrows higher than the Mets’ budget this season.

Why Helsley? What Does He Bring To the Mets?

Okay, here’s the deal with Helsley. When he is hot, he is untouchable. This is a guy who racked up 49 saves in 2024, breaking the Cardinals‘ single-season save record. His fastball averages an absurd 99.3 mph and pairs beautifully with a slider that’s had hitters baffled. Even in 2025, which hasn’t been his strongest season, Helsley has still managed 21 saves in 26 opportunities with a respectable 3.00 ERA.

But here’s the flip side. He has not escaped this season unscathed, battling injuries and “technical difficulties.” His home run rate has spiked, and his whiff rate has dipped compared to his majestic 2024 form. This is not the Helsley who can carry your bullpen on his back every single night, but he’s still a clear upgrade for a Mets relief staff that has embodied mediocrity lately.

Mets’ Bullpen Issues Had Nowhere to Go but Up

If you’ve been paying attention, you know the Mets’ bullpen has been…not ideal. Since June 1, they have ranked 25th in MLB for bullpen ERA (4.87) and 28th in win probability added. Injuries have ripped through their relief corps like a tornado, with reliable names like A.J. Minter and Max Kranick sidelined for the season. Add to that overuse of the few healthy arms they’ve had, and you’ve got a recipe for blown saves and heartache.

What Did the Mets Give Up?

Now, this is where it gets juicy. To get Helsley, the Mets sent three players back to the Cardinals:

1. Jesus Báez – A standout shortstop prospect and ESPN’s No. 5 ranked player in the Mets farm system. The kid can hit and field, making him a core piece of the deal.
2. Nate Dohm – A right-handed pitcher and the Mets’ No. 14 ranked prospect. Solid, with room to grow.
3. Frank Elissalt – A pitcher who isn’t ranked in the top 30 but could fill out the Cardinals’ depth chart in the coming seasons.

It is a hefty price for a closer in his contract year. Still, given the Mets’ World Series-or-bust aspirations, it is the kind of gamble most fans were begging the front office to make. If Helsley can recapture his 2024 magic, this could be a game-changer for a bullpen that’s been teetering on the edge of collapse.

Is Helsley Enough for the Mets?

Here is the big question. Will Ryan Helsley solve all the Mets’ bullpen problems? Short answer? No. Long answer? He is a huge step in the right direction. Pairing him with Tyler Rogers (another trade acquisition from the Giants) instantly gives the Mets a more formidable late-inning one-two punch.

For any of this to matter, Helsley has to produce now. Time is running out, both for the 2025 season and possibly his own New York honeymoon. A bad stretch could have Mets fans shouting his name in frustration by mid-August, while a playoff-worthy performance could cement him as a hero.

The Contract Question Looms Large

One thing that makes this trade super fascinating? Helsley’s expiring contract. He is reportedly eyeing a mega-deal this offseason, with figures nearing the nine-figure territory. If the Mets want to keep him beyond 2025, get ready to read about record-breaking closer deals.

Final Thoughts

Helsley’s trade to the Mets is bold, risky, and very on-brand for a team that is playing chess while the rest of MLB, at times, seems to be playing checkers. Still, the jury is out. If Helsley’s fastball-slider combo can lock up some key wins, he might just become the hero New York didn’t know it needed. And if he doesn’t? The boos will come just as fast as one of his heaters.