Evaluate the NY Mets' Trade for Ryan Helsley vs. the Cardinals

As reported by Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the New York Mets have obtained right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals. In return, Jesus Baez, who ranks as the eighth top prospect for the Mets, is heading to St. Louis. per MLB Pipeline and minor league players Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.

Helsley is the third relief pitcher brought in by the Mets during this year's trading period, alongside Gregory Soto and Tyler Rogers As the team's relief pitching staff expands. Helsley, who has been named an All-Star twice, now holds a 3.00 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP over 36 innings pitched, securing 21 saves out of 26 chances. During the 2024 season, he topped all of MLB with 49 saves. However, with the Mets, he will not take on the same closing role he had with the Cardinals because of Edwin Diaz, instead serving as a reliable setup pitcher in crucial late-game situations.

Helsley excels as a fast-paced hurler boasting one of the top chase percentages in Major League Baseball, standing at 34.3% (94th percentile). Nevertheless, he has difficulty generating weak hits, registering an average exit speed of 91.5 mph (6th percentile) and a 45.5% hard-contact percentage (15th percentile). Additionally, he issues many base-on-balls, maintaining an 8.9% free-pass rate (37th percentile).

Helsley's trade to the Mets: Grade of B+

It’s painful to let go of any top-10 talent within the team, but for a player like Helsley, it's essential, and trading someone like Baez seems logical. The Mets possess stronger infield players both in their system and in the majors, and Baez probably wasn’t going to get much playing time with the Mets anyway. The other young players involved weren't high-priority prospects within the organization.

Bringing in Helsley provides the Mets with what is probably the top bullpen in Major League Baseball, possibly even their finest ever. Although he has faced some challenges, Helsley remains a premier hurler and greatly strengthens the latter part of the relief corps. The main (and sole) concern lies in his contract; Helsley is under a single-season agreement with no further team options after this year, which makes him a temporary acquisition. For a squad focused on winning immediately, the Mets must accept this gamble to improve, yet it’s not really a significant risk at all.

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