As the New York Mets charge into the heart of the 2025 MLB season, optimism is brewing in Queens. After an impressive early run, the team is hoping to sustain its momentum and make a serious playoff push. However, one glaring truth remains: in baseball, especially in October, you can never have too much pitching.
While the Mets already have a bona fide star at the back of their bullpen in Edwin Díaz, recent injury scares surrounding the All-Star closer have highlighted the need for reinforcements. Even the most dominant arms aren’t immune to setbacks, and the Mets front office appears to be thinking proactively.
Enter Ryan Helsley—the St. Louis Cardinals’ flame-throwing closer and reigning National League Reliever of the Year. Zachary Howell of Clutch Points recently proposed a trade scenario that would bring Helsley to New York, adding a crucial layer of security and strength to the Mets’ bullpen.
“The Mets already have their guy with Edwin Díaz. However, an injury scare for the New York closer could have the team looking for insurance options,” Howell wrote. His proposed solution? A deal to land Helsley, whose dominant presence could either back up Díaz or form one of the most formidable one-two bullpen punches in baseball.
Helsley, who notched 36 saves with a sub-2.00 ERA in 2024, is more than just insurance—he’s a game-changer. Even if Díaz retains the closer role, Helsley would be a premier setup man and a weapon for manager Carlos Mendoza to deploy in high-leverage situations. In a league where the margin for error is razor-thin, having two elite closers could be the edge that separates the Mets from the rest of the pack.
As the season progresses, it’s clear the Mets must prioritize pitching at the trade deadline. Their offense has shown consistency, and the starting rotation has held its own. But the bullpen—while effective so far—could use an extra layer of reliability to weather the long grind of the season and the high-pressure moments of postseason play.
Howell’s trade proposal underscores what many around the league are thinking: the Mets have a real chance this year, but they need to shore up their bullpen to maximize it. With Díaz’s health a lingering concern and a playoff berth within reach, a move for someone of Helsley’s caliber makes strategic sense.
Not only would it bolster the team’s depth, but it would also send a message to the rest of the league—the Mets are all-in.
As the trade deadline approaches, don’t be surprised if the Mets make a bold move. Pairing Edwin Díaz with Ryan Helsley could be the masterstroke that turns a strong season into a championship run.
