Cubs Eye Ryan Helsley as Bullpen Reclamation Project: A Bargain for the Former All-Star Closer?.vc
CHICAGO — As the Chicago Cubs gear up for a pivotal offseason following their 92-win 2025 campaign and NLCS heartbreak, the bullpen looms large as a priority. With key relievers like Taylor Rogers and Ryan Brasier hitting free agency, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports the Cubs are targeting St. Louis Cardinals-turned-New York Mets closer Ryan Helsley as a high-upside reclamation project. The 31-year-old, a 2024 NL Reliever of the Year and two-time All-Star, faltered after a July 30 trade to the Mets, posting a 7.20 ERA and blowing four saves in 25 appearances. Despite the red flags, Tucker’s talent—once a 49-save dynamo—could make him a steal at a depressed price, as Spotrac projects a three-year, $51 million deal.
Helsley’s Fall from Grace: From Cardinals Closer to Mets Misfire
Helsley entered 2025 as the Cardinals’ longest-tenured player and a shutdown force, but early-season toe and mechanics issues led to a 3.00 ERA through 36 innings and 21 saves before the July 30 trade deadline. Traded to the Mets for prospects Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm, and Frank Elissalt, he imploded in Queens: 7.20 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9, and 13:12 K:BB over 25 innings, as hitters slugged .522 against his fastball (up from .367 in 2024). Helsley, who hit 100 career saves on June 28, blew four of nine opportunities post-trade, including a disastrous September where he allowed 18 runs (15 earned) in 11 innings. “Ryan has been a key piece for the Cardinals, and while his recent struggles are noted, his talent remains undeniable,” Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said, per Feinsand. “A fresh start with the Cubs could help him regain his form and provide the late-inning dominance we need.”
Why Helsley Fits the Cubs: A Reclamation Project with Upside
Helsley’s slide—his 1.44 WHIP and 4.9 BB/9 post-trade contrast a 2024 0.89 WHIP and 3.1 BB/9—stems from mechanics and a fastball that’s been torched (.406 BAA, .522 SLG in 2025 vs. .276/.367 in 2024), per Statcast. Yet, his slider remains elite (34.3% whiff rate), and at 31, he’s primed for a rebound in a new environment. The Cubs, who used 46 relievers and posted a 4.12 ERA (15th in MLB), lost Rogers (3.45 ERA) and Brasier (3.12 ERA) to free agency, leaving Daniel Palencia as the lone lock. Helsley, who hit 100 career saves on June 28, could reclaim the ninth inning, especially with his 100th save milestone underscoring his pedigree.
Fan and Analyst Reactions: A Polarizing Pursuit
X is abuzz with Cubs fans’ guarded optimism: “Helsley at a discount? Sign me up—dude’s a stud when right,” one post with 2K likes read, while skeptics countered, “7.20 ERA post-trade? Pass on the reclamation.” Mets fans, still stinging from the deadline splash, piled on: “Helsley was a disaster—good luck Chicago!” Feinsand’s report highlights Chicago’s track record—reclaiming Aroldis Chapman and Héctor Neris—but warns of risks: Helsley’s 4.9 BB/9 post-trade and fastball woes could echo if mechanics don’t click.
Recommendation: Take the Swing—Helsley’s Upside Outweighs the Risk
Helsley’s pedigree—49 saves in 2024, 100 career saves—screams value at $17M AAV, a steal compared to Edwin Díaz’s $21M. The Cubs’ $200M payroll and $20M expirations afford the risk, especially with a young core (Crow-Armstrong, Busch) needing late-inning lockdown. If mechanics click under pitching coach Dustin Kelly, Helsley could reclaim the ninth, as he hinted in a September NY Post interview: “I know what I can be—give me a fresh start.” Pass on him, and rivals like the Phillies (who landed Jhoan Duran) could swoop. The Cubs’ reclamation track record says yes—Helsley could be their next bullpen savior.
