Tigers Eye Ryan Helsley as Potential Starter in Surprising Free-Agency Twist

For years, Ryan Helsley built his reputation on late-inning dominance, first anchoring the St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen and later closing games for the New York Mets. As he hit the open market this offseason, many expected him to be one of the most sought-after relievers available. Instead, his value may lie in an entirely different role.

According to reporting from The Athletic, multiple teams — notably the Detroit Tigers — are exploring the idea of converting Helsley from a high-octane reliever into a full-time starter. It’s a concept that has quickly gained traction, following successful transitions by pitchers such as Seth Lugo and Clay Holmes.

The Tigers are among the clubs actively discussing the possibility with Helsley, signaling serious interest in redefining his workload. For a team seeking rotation upside, the idea of reshaping a proven reliever into a multi-inning weapon carries both risk and intrigue.

As free agency unfolds, Helsley’s willingness to embrace a new chapter could widen his market beyond the usual bullpen suitors and reshape the narrative of his career.

1. A Market Reframed: From Closer to Rotation Candidate

Interest in Helsley stems not only from his track record as a closer but also from the league-wide search for pitching versatility. With several established relievers still unsigned, teams may look for creative ways to fill rotation needs without breaking the bank. For Helsley, repositioning himself as a starter could expand his opportunities and potentially his long-term value. Starters command larger roles, larger contracts, and greater organizational investment — elements that could appeal as he navigates free agency. The Tigers’ involvement underscores that interest. Detroit has been aggressive in developing unconventional pitching pathways, and Helsley’s mix of velocity and strike-throwing intrigued officials enough to broach a conversion. The franchise has experience in reshaping pitchers’ careers and may view Helsley as a high-reward project. Other clubs have reportedly shown similar curiosity, suggesting a broader reevaluation of what the right-hander could become rather than what he has been.

2. A Look Back: The Starter Helsley Once Was

While Helsley has never started a major league game, his early professional years offer a glimpse of potential. During his time in the minors, he made 69 starts across 87 appearances, producing a 2.84 ERA and a strong 408–140 strikeout-to-walk ratio — numbers that reflect both stamina and command. Those seasons showcased a version of Helsley capable of navigating lineups multiple times, mixing power with effective secondary pitches. Though he ultimately shifted to relief in the majors, the foundation of a starting profile was present. The biggest unknown is durability. As a reliever, Helsley has rarely been stretched beyond one or two innings, making the transition physically demanding. Teams would need to assess his readiness for a heavier workload and the risks that accompany it. Still, the minor-league evidence offers enough promise for evaluators to imagine what he might look like with a full offseason geared toward starting.

3. The Recent Struggles and the Broader Resume

Helsley’s 2025 season complicates his pitching puzzle. After being dealt to the Mets at the deadline, he posted a 7.20 ERA, struggling to regain his rhythm in high-leverage situations. Those numbers represent one of the toughest stretches of his career and could affect how teams project him in the short term. Yet the broader résumé remains impressive. Just one year earlier, he led MLB with 49 saves, reestablishing himself as one of the sport’s premier closers. Over 297 career appearances, he owns a 2.96 ERA with 377 strikeouts and only 132 walks — production that many front offices still value highly. Teams considering him as a starter must weigh these contrasting snapshots: the recent volatility and the long-term excellence. The question is whether a new role could help stabilize his performance or expose additional challenges. For Helsley, the opportunity may represent a fresh start after a difficult campaign, a chance to reset expectations while reimagining his future.