4 ways the NY Mets can spend $500 million with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. staying put

4) Sign Ryan Helsley to a four year $68 million contract

Having a strong bullpen is one of the most important aspects of a contending team. With starters not going long into games, having good relievers who can hold the other team off the board is very important. Plus, for years, Mets fans have been scared by many late-game bullpen collapses. So, using some of the Guerrero Jr. money on an elite reliever is a must.

Ryan Helsely is the perfect guy to fill that role as one of the reliable arms out of the pen. In his seven big league seasons, he pitched to a 2.66 ERA over 267.2 innings, with 322 strikeouts to 111 walks, a 1.106 WHIP, and a 155 ERA+. This can be someone that Mendoza can go to in tight spots to get the big out needed. Plus it solidifies the pen with the uncertain future of Edwin Diaz and AJ Minter.

Now this does leave the Mets with an extra $10 million. This money will most likely go to a utility player to come off the bench. It will also go to signing under-the-radar relievers and recalculation project pitchers that Stearns is famous for. If the Mets want to spend the $500 million effectively, these are the moves they have to make.