Ryan Helsley is generating quite a bit of attention, despite what many might consider a rocky stint with the Mets recently.
The 31-year-old has caught the eye of around 15 teams, including the Tigers, according to reports. Some teams are even exploring multi-year contracts for him, potentially as a setup man or closer, while the Tigers see potential for him as a starting pitcher.
This renewed interest in Helsley comes after a challenging time with the Mets since his acquisition from the Cardinals at the trade deadline. He ended up with a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances, largely due to various pitching issues.
“There’s a lot of talent in free agency this year, and just being in this position is exciting,” Helsley shared. “I’m really grateful because it took me seven years to reach this point and experience this opportunity. I hope the team understands there were challenges, but I still have what it takes.”
Despite his tough experience with the Mets, the interest from other clubs suggests they’re focusing on his overall metrics, which indicate he could still be effective. Helsley, a two-time All-Star, led MLB with 49 saves while playing for the Cardinals in 2024 and recorded 21 saves in 26 chances before being traded.
The transition to the Mets was labeled as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced as a major league pitcher,” with Helsley struggling to maintain scoreless innings. Eventually, it was identified that his struggles stemmed from a hand positioning issue when entering his set.
However, Helsley remains optimistic about his potential as a key reliever in the majors. “Believe it or not, I really enjoyed my time in New York,” he stated. “I still believe I can become who I want to be as a pitcher. I think there’s always room for improvement and ways to elevate my game further.”
