Mets bolster bullpen by acquiring 2024 NL Reliever of the Year

Ryan Helsley. Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Mets continue to bolster bullpen by acquiring 2024 NL Reliever of the Year

By Taylor Bretl | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 7:55 PM ET

Hours after acquiring Giants reliever Tyler Rogers, the New York Mets made another big trade to enhance its bullpen, acquiring reigning NL Reliever of the Year Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Last season, Helsley converted 49 of his 53 save opportunities, posting a 2.04 ERA with 79 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings. He’s remained reliable this year, recording 21 saves in 26 chances with a 3.00 ERA and 41 strikeouts through 36 innings entering Wednesday.

Helsley thrives on primarily a two-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball (44.6% usage) averaging 99.6 mph and a slider (47.9% usage) averaging 88.9 mph. The pairing has consistently overwhelmed hitters and cemented Helsley’s reputation as one of the best bullpen arms in MLB.

Ryan Helsley, Perfect 102mph Heater. pic.twitter.com/Bzr5a6etZN
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 26, 2025

From a financial standpoint, Helsley is a short-term move — he’s set to become a free agent after this season — making the move a clear, win-now bet for the 62–47 Mets.

In return for Helsley, St. Louis receives shortstop Jesus Baez — the Mets’ No. 8 prospect — and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm ( No. 14 prospect) and Frank Elissalt.

The trio of Rogers, Helsley and current closer Edwin Díaz gives the Mets one of the most formidable back-end bullpens in baseball.

Taylor Bretl

Taylor Bretl writes about Major League Baseball with a focus on the Milwaukee Brewers. He is founder of Around the Globe Baseball.

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