Here’s a bold statement: Ryan Helsley’s disastrous two-month stint with the New York Mets might just be the best thing that ever happened to his career. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite his struggles, the two-time All-Star closer is now one of the most sought-after free agents in baseball. How is that possible? Let’s dive in.
After a rough ending to his season, Helsley is surprisingly drawing interest from roughly 15 teams, including the Detroit Tigers, who see him as a potential starting pitcher. And this is the part most people miss—while his 7.20 ERA with the Mets was alarming, teams aren’t focusing on that eight-week slump. Instead, they’re zeroing in on his elite metrics: a fastball that still averages 99 mph, a devastating slider, and a track record of dominance. The consensus? His struggles were fixable, stemming from tipping pitches and predictability in counts—issues he’s confident he’s resolved.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Helsley reflected on his journey: ‘You work for seven years to get to this point, and it’s exciting to finally be here. I’m thankful for the opportunity and hopeful teams see my potential.’ But here’s the kicker: Helsley isn’t just resting on his laurels. He’s considering adding a new pitch—like a two-seamer or changeup—to keep hitters guessing. Is this the move that could redefine his career?
What makes Helsley’s situation even more intriguing is the current free-agent market. Typically, relievers are the last to sign, but this year’s surplus of high-end late-inning arms could change that. Helsley ranks No. 27 on The Athletic’s free-agent big board, joining the likes of Edwin Díaz and Kenley Jansen in a stacked reliever class. But here’s the question—can Helsley regain the form that made him an MLB-best 49-save closer in 2024, or will his transition to a starter (if he chooses that path) be his next big challenge?
The Tigers are serious about converting him into a starter, a role he hasn’t filled since his minor league days. Helsley admits, ‘I missed starting early in my career, but closing games became my comfort zone. Learning a new pitch and adjusting to starting would be a learning curve, but I believe I’m capable.’ Is this a risky move, or the evolution of a proven talent?
As the MLB Winter Meetings approach on December 8, Helsley remains open to all possibilities. ‘I enjoyed my time in New York,’ he said, ‘and I’m ready to prove I can return to my All-Star form.’ But what do you think? Is Ryan Helsley a closer worth betting on, or does his future lie in the starting rotation? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
