The St. Louis Cardinals have traded closer Ryan Helsley, and few people are going to be less surprised than the man himself.
The New York Mets picked up the All-Star closer on Wednesday ahead of the MLB trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Reportedly going back to St. Louis are prospects Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.
The move was made days after Helsley bluntly said he had a 90% chance of getting traded before Thursday’s deadline. He hits free agency after this season, making him a classic rental for a team adding to its bullpen.
Helsley joins a Mets bullpen which already features an elite closer in Edwin Díaz, but with room for improvement behind him. The Mets also acquired San Francisco Giants set-up man Tyler Rogers earlier Wednesday, giving them two new set-up options behind Díaz.
The Mets weren’t the only AL East contender to add a big-time bullpen arm Wednesday, as the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran minutes before the Helsley trade.
The Cardinals made the move after tough stretches in June and July wiped out an encouraging start to their season. They remain in contention for a wild-card spot, but momentum is not on their side, and few expect their current roster to accomplish much if they do make it to the postseason.
As a pending free agent, Helsley was a natural choice to send away. Doing so ends a seven-season tenure in St. Louis for the 31-year-old, who has been among the best relievers in baseball in recent years. Since 2022, only Emmanuel Clase has posted a better ERA than Helsley’s 2.04, among relievers with at least 200 innings pitched.
Helsey has taken a small step back this season, but he remains a flame-throwing reliever with a track record of success. Those are always attractive at the trade deadline, and the Cardinals opted to take advantage.
