Ryan Helsley Enters Free Agency Ready to Rewrite His Story

The New York Mets’ bullpen struggled throughout the 2025 season, and Ryan Helsley became the most visible symbol of that instability. Entering free agency, he carried the weight of a rough finish, yet nearly 15 teams expressed immediate interest in acquiring him. Despite a rocky closing stretch with New York, front offices are viewing Helsley not as a risk but as a pitcher capable of rebounding.

Helsley did not shy away from admitting what went wrong. “It was the hardest thing I’ve gone through as a pitcher in the big leagues,” he said. Even with a 99 mph fastball and elite swing-and-miss numbers, hitters were able to exploit his four-seamer in predictable locations — first pitch, behind in the count, or anywhere they expected the heat.

The root of the issue became clear once film and analytics were reviewed: Helsley was tipping his pitches. His hand position at set became a tell, alerting hitters to what was coming. Advanced models confirmed that this minor mechanical flaw was wreaking major havoc, and by the time adjustments were suggested, the Mets’ season had already spiraled.

Now, Helsley has corrected that issue and reinforced his reputation as one of baseball’s more dynamic relievers. Teams are taking notice, seeing a pitcher who once saved 49 games for the St. Louis Cardinals and maintained elite strikeout rates, even through his collapse. The market is responding to his upside rather than past struggles.

1. The Mets Collapse and What Went Wrong

Helsley’s final months in New York were frustrating for both him and the team. What seemed like dominant pitching on paper translated into poor results on the field, leaving fans and management questioning his effectiveness. He admitted that hitters were exploiting predictable patterns in his delivery, particularly the location of his four-seamer. “It was pretty obvious,” Helsley said. Once opponents identified the tell, mistakes snowballed, and the season’s downward spiral accelerated. Even with elite velocity and strikeout numbers, the Mets’ struggles highlighted the thin margin between success and failure at the MLB level. Helsley’s experience is a reminder of how small mechanical quirks can have oversized impacts on performance. The Mets suggested a change in hand placement late in the season, but by then the pattern had been established. Still, this simple adjustment would ultimately pave the way for Helsley’s resurgence in free agency.

2. Teams See the Upside

Despite the collapse, nearly 15 teams have shown immediate interest in Helsley, signaling confidence in his ability to rebound. Front offices are focused on his proven track record with the Cardinals, including 49 career saves and consistent strikeout numbers. The Detroit Tigers are among the teams imagining Helsley in a starting role, showing the range of possibilities that teams see for him. His velocity and swing-and-miss ability make him a versatile option in multiple pitching roles. Analysts note that the market is less concerned with Helsley’s last two months in New York and more interested in the pitcher he has consistently been throughout his career. Correcting the tipping issue has restored faith in his ability to perform at a high level. Helsley’s openness to adding new pitches, such as a two-seamer or changeup, demonstrates his commitment to remaining unpredictable and maximizing effectiveness for the next team that signs him.

3. A Chance for Resurgence

Free agency represents more than just a contract for Helsley; it’s an opportunity to prove that last season was an anomaly. Teams are betting on his corrected mechanics and underlying skill set rather than dwelling on past struggles. Helsley believes in his ability to succeed. “I still believe I can be who I want to be,” he said, underscoring his confidence and focus heading into the offseason. The next stop in his career could redefine his legacy. If he performs to his potential, Helsley may be remembered not for a Mets collapse, but for a successful resurgence in a new environment. For teams, the risk-reward equation is clear: acquire a proven, high-velocity reliever who has fixed his mechanical issues, and potentially gain a difference-maker in late-game situations.