It doesn’t sound like teams are scared off of NY Mets trade deadline disaster

New York Mets fans won’t be shocked to learn that the club isn’t interested in re-signing reliever Ryan Helsley this offseason. While there are a few Mets observers out there whispering about the low-key benefits of bringing back Helsley at the right price, new intel from ESPN’s Jeff Passan indicates that the Mets are moving on. However, Passan also suggested that Helsley will have plenty of other teams interested in his services.

“One closer who won't be returning to the Mets is Ryan Helsley, though his implosion in New York after the trade deadline hasn't hindered his market,” Passan wrote. 

It sounds like the Mets’ front office looked at Helsey’s sample size in New York and said, ‘No, thanks.’ Helsey’s 0-3 record and 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances for the Mets didn't exactly provide a sparkling resumé.

But those numbers, while hideous, aren't a reflection of Helsley's overall talent or career, which is why other franchises aren’t overreacting to his Mets debacle. If anything, Helsley’s suitors see his horrid second half in 2025 as a favorable outcome, as it has greatly reduced his price. 

Jeff Passan says that the Mets are moving on from Ryan Helsley, while other suitors are moving in for a potential bargain

Passan wrote that Helsley — if he hadn't been so awful for the Mets — could be looking at an $80 million deal right now. Instead, he might land something far lower in the realm of $40 million or $50 million. This has bullpen-deficient teams salivating at the prospect of a bargain. After all, Helsley’s 100 MPH fastball won’t suffer a drop in velocity if he’s paid less.

While the Mets are scanning the market for a Helsley upgrade, teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels might be eyeing Helsley himself as an upgrade, even if it's as more of a depth piece or setup man (in the Yankees' case).

Helsley’s collection of Mets performances were unthinkably bad, but if you’re able to see past 2025, you’ll realize that Helsley is still a 31-year-old, two-time All-Star whose 2024 season was utterly dominant. He was the MLB saves leader and National League Reliever of the Year in ’24, as well as an All-MLB First Team selection.

So, what on Earth happened to Helsley in Queens? It’s difficult to say, but it’s not outlandish to think that Helsley could regain his mojo while pitching somewhere else in 2026. Keep in mind that Helsley made it clear before the ’25 deadline that he greatly preferred to remain a Cardinal. 

For a guy that built his entire career in St. Louis and had tremendous success there, this wasn’t an unreasonable stance. Once he was moved to the Mets, however, people sort of forgot about the human element of the trade for Helsley. With more time to process his St. Louis departure, and now with something to prove again, Helsley might very well be set up for a resurgence next season.