Ryan Helsley, a well-known MLB pitcher, has landed in the middle of a wild free agency market. This comes after a rocky stint with the New York Mets.
At 31, Helsley once dominated for the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, over a dozen teams are circling, eager for a shot at him.
Let’s look at Helsley’s bumpy ride with the Mets, some career highlights, and why so many teams still want him.
Ryan Helsley’s Struggles with the Mets
Helsley’s time with the Mets didn’t go as planned. After the trade from St. Louis, he just couldn’t settle in.
His ERA shot up to 5.40, and his WHIP climbed to 1.50. Still, he managed to strike out 60 batters in only 45 innings.
That kind of strikeout rate shows his stuff is still electric. But inconsistency on the mound made it tough for the Mets’ coaches to trust him.
Eventually, the team let him go. It’s tough to watch a pitcher with that much talent struggle so much.
The Highs and Lows
There were moments when Helsley looked unhittable. His fastball and breaking ball can make hitters look silly.
But control issues and giving up home runs haunted him. Adapting to a new city and team probably didn’t help either.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Despite the recent rough patch, Helsley has put together a solid career in MLB. Before the Mets, he played a key role in the Cardinals’ bullpen.
He made the All-Star team in 2022. People knew him for closing out games with power and precision.
His career ERA sits at 3.12, and the strikeout numbers are impressive. Any team looking to boost their bullpen would notice those stats.
Why Teams Are Still Interested
So why are so many teams still calling? For one, his pre-Mets track record shows he can be dominant.
Lots of teams figure a new environment might help him bounce back. His knack for strikeouts and handling big moments on the mound is hard to ignore.
The Free Agency Frenzy
Now that Helsley’s a free agent, more than a dozen teams have shown interest. That’s despite the struggles—clearly, teams believe he can turn things around.
Reportedly, the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Astros are all in the mix. Those organizations have a reputation for helping pitchers find their groove again.
Potential Landing Spots
- Los Angeles Dodgers: They have a knack for developing and reviving pitchers. Maybe that’s just what Helsley needs right now.
- Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox manage their bullpen well. Helsley could get chances in tight spots and rebuild his confidence there.
- Houston Astros: The Astros are known for squeezing the most out of their pitchers. Could be a good fit if Helsley wants a fresh start.
What the Future Holds
Helsley’s next move feels huge for his career. A new team and a clean slate might help him rediscover his old form.
Plenty of teams are weighing his past success and the chance for a comeback. He’s definitely one of the more intriguing free agents out there right now.
Conclusion
Ryan Helsley’s time in Major League Baseball has been full of ups and downs. He hasn’t had an easy ride with the Mets lately.
Still, teams want him. His past success and the hope for a big comeback keep him in the conversation as a free agent.
He could still show everyone he’s got plenty left on the mound. If you want all the details on Helsley’s free agency story, check out the full article here.
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