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Mets acquire Ryan Helsley from Cardinals

The Mets traded three prospects to St. Louis for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

July 30, 2025 at 11:19 PM

Mets acquire closer Ryan Helsley from Cardinals for prospects: Sources

The Mets have acquired All-Star closer Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals in exchange for three prospects.

Mets trade for Ryan Helsley as clear sign of commitment to bullpen

In a significant move, the New York Mets have traded for Ryan Helsley, the two-time All-Star closer from the St. Louis Cardinals, sending three prospects in return. Helsley, who is known for his remarkable fastball and has served as the Cardinals' closer since his debut, is set to become a free agent at the end of this season. The Mets’ trade is seen as a strategic enhancement of their bullpen, especially following the acquisition of Tyler Rogers earlier in the day. Although Helsley has faced some challenges this season in terms of fastball command, his overall skill set makes him a valuable asset to New York. The Cardinals are expected to continue their sell-off strategy, focusing on acquiring prospects for a rebuild.

Key Takeaways

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Mets acquired Ryan Helsley, a two-time All-Star closer, from the Cardinals.

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The trade involved sending three prospects back to St. Louis.

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Helsley has a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves in the current season.

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His fastball ranks in the top percentile for velocity but has shown command issues.

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This trade reflects the Mets' commitment to strengthening their bullpen immediately.

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Cardinals are entering a phase of rebuilding and may trade more players soon.

"The likelihood is probably as great as it’s ever been for me to get traded."

Helsley's reflection on his trade prospects before the deal was finalized.

"As we reflect on what’s best for the organization, there is the longer view in terms of are there decisions that we can make that would better situate the franchise in 2026 and beyond."

John Mozeliak emphasizes the need for future planning in the Cardinals' strategy.

The Mets' decision to acquire Ryan Helsley indicates a shift in their approach towards making a serious playoff run. By prioritizing an elite rental closer, they are signaling their intent to contend now rather than looking ahead to future seasons. This approach, however, may elicit concerns among fans and analysts about the value of giving up three prospects, none of whom are top-tier but could develop in the future. As the trade market for pitchers deepens, it raises questions about the long-term implications of such decisions on the Mets' organizational health.