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The New York Mets are strengthening their bullpen as the MLB trade deadline approaches on Thursday.
Having recently acquired Gregory Soto and traded for Tyler Rogers, the Mets have now added closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, as announced by both teams.
Despite already having Edwin Diaz as their closer, Helsley brings another strong, high-leverage arm that manager Carlos Mendoza can use as they aim for a spot in the World Series in October.
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) celebrates after a game against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium. (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
The Mets traded for Rogers with the San Francisco Giants just before acquiring Helsley. Soto was added in a trade three days earlier, as GM David Stearns moved quickly to strengthen the team’s bullpen – a clear priority before the deadline.
In exchange for Helsley, the Mets are sending infielder Jesus Baez (No. 8 prospect), pitcher Nate Dohm (No. 14), and pitcher Frank Elissalt.
Helsley is a rental for the rest of the season, which is why the Cardinals, who are 9.5 games out of the National League lead, decided to see what his market value was before the deadline. It was not expected that Helsley would re-sign with St. Louis.
In his seven seasons with the Cardinals, Helsley has a 2.67 ERA and 105 saves in 299.2 innings pitched.
The Mets are leading the NL East with a 62-47 record, closely followed by the Philadelphia Phillies, who are at 61-47 after adding reliever Jhoan Duran on Wednesday.
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) points to the sky after pitching against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
On the other hand, the Cardinals are five games behind the third and final wild card spot in the National League.
