As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Ryan Helsley has become one of the hottest names in the rumor mill, with the Mets and Yankees aggressively pursuing the Cardinals’ flamethrowing closer. New York’s cross-town rivals both view Helsley as the missing piece for their postseason aspirations, sparking a potential bidding war.

The Mets appear to be leading the charge, with reports suggesting they’re nearing a deal for the pending free agent, while the Yankees have floated a blockbuster package that could include Nolan Arenado. With St. Louis weighing their options, Helsley’s 2025 contract status adds urgency to these negotiations.

Ryan Helsley Trade Rumors: Will Mets or Yankees Land Cardinals Closer Before MLB Deadline? 2025 Contract Status Explained

The Mets’ Aggressive Pursuit of Ryan Helsley

The New York Mets have reportedly intensified negotiations with the St. Louis Cardinals regarding closer Ryan Helsley, viewing him as the missing piece for their postseason ambitions. With a 3.38 ERA and 18 saves in 2025, Helsley would immediately become the anchor of a Mets bullpen that currently ranks 15th in MLB in reliever ERA.

Sources indicate the Mets are offering a package centered around outfielder Drew Gilbert, their No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The Cardinals, sitting at 47-49 and fading in the NL Central, appear willing to part with their closer given his impending free agency.

A sticking point may be whether the Mets include additional young pitching talent, as St. Louis seeks controllable arms to rebuild their depleted rotation. Helsley’s postseason experience (2.08 ERA in 8.2 playoff innings) adds significant value for a Mets team eyeing October success.

The Mets’ desperation is understandable – they haven’t had a reliable closer since Edwin Díaz’s knee injury. But giving up Gilbert for a rental seems risky unless they’re confident about re-signing Helsley.

Why Helsley Fills the Mets’ Biggest Need

New York’s bullpen has blown 14 saves this season (T-4th most in MLB), with Adam Ottavino struggling in high-leverage situations. Helsley’s elite fastball velocity (98.9 mph average) and wipeout slider would provide manager Carlos Mendoza with a dependable ninth-inning option.

Yankees’ Surprise Play: Could Helsley Land in the Bronx?

While the Mets appear to be the frontrunners, the Yankees have quietly intensified their scouting of Helsley. New York’s bullpen ranks 7th in ERA but has shown vulnerability in tight games, particularly with Clay Holmes occasionally struggling with command.

Interestingly, the Yankees have discussed a mega-deal that would send both Helsley and third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Bronx. Such a trade would likely require New York to part with top prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones.

This would be classic Yankees – going all-in when they smell blood in the water. Arenado solves their third base issues while Helsley gives them another power arm to pair with Holmes in the late innings.

Analyzing Helsley’s 2025 Performance and Contract Status

While Helsley hasn’t replicated his dominant 2024 season (49 saves, 2.30 ERA), his underlying metrics suggest he remains an elite reliever:

His $15 million salary for 2025 makes him affordable for contenders, but the lack of team control beyond this season reduces his trade value compared to relievers with remaining arbitration years.

What Helsley’s Next Contract Might Look Like

Industry executives project Helsley could command a deal similar to Josh Hader’s 5-year, $95 million contract based on:

• Career 2.78 ERA and 134 saves
• Postseason experience (10 appearances)
• Premium velocity (fastball averages 98+ mph)

The Cardinals’ Difficult Decision

St. Louis finds themselves in a tricky position – just 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot but with glaring roster deficiencies. Trading Helsley would signal a white flag on 2025, but keeping him risks losing him for nothing in free agency.

President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak has historically been reluctant to trade star players mid-season, but with no extension talks reported, Helsley appears almost certain to be moved before the July 30 deadline.

The Cardinals need to be ruthless here. They’re not genuine contenders this year, and getting premium prospects for Helsley is smarter than sentimental attachment. Look what the Cubs got for Chapman in 2016.

Dark Horse Contenders for Helsley’s Services

While New York teams dominate the headlines, several other contenders could emerge as serious bidders:

San Francisco Giants

The Giants bullpen ranks 22nd in MLB with a 4.35 ERA and has converted just 58% of save opportunities. President Farhan Zaidi has shown willingness to deal prospects for proven relievers in past seasons.

Chicago Cubs

Despite being sellers last season, the surprising Cubs now find themselves in postseason position. Adding Helsley would allow them to move Héctor Neris back to a setup role and create one of baseball’s best late-inning tandems.

Don’t sleep on the Phillies either. They have the prospect capital and could use Helsley to pair with José Alvarado, creating a lefty-righty nightmare for opponents in October.

How Helsley Could Impact the Pennant Races

The acquisition of an elite closer has frequently proven to be the difference-maker in tight division races. Just look at what the Astros achieved after acquiring Justin Verlander in 2017 or what the Nationals did with Daniel Hudson in 2019.

For the Mets, adding Helsley would:

• Shorten games by locking down the 9th inning
• Allow Edwin Díaz to work in lower-leverage situations as he returns from injury
• Provide insurance should Díaz not return to his dominant form

For the Yankees, Helsley would:

• Create a super bullpen alongside Clay Holmes and Ian Hamilton
• Give manager Aaron Boone more flexibility in matchup-based pitching changes
• Reduce pressure on a starting rotation dealing with injuries

July trades for elite relievers have wildly different track records. Chapman propelled the Cubs to a title, while Andrew Miller helped Cleveland reach Game 7. But remember when the A’s gave up Jesús Luzardo for Marc Melancon? Buyer beware!