Tigers Show Interest in Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley Before Mets Trade
As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Detroit Tigers are actively seeking to bolster their bullpen and have set their sights on St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley. However, before a deal could be made, the New York Mets swooped in and acquired Helsley, leaving the Tigers still in need of relief pitching.
The Tigers have been struggling with their bullpen all season, and with the trade deadline approaching, they are determined to make a move to improve their chances of success. Helsley, a hard-throwing right-hander, caught the attention of the Tigers with his impressive performance for the Cardinals this season.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on Helsley, the Tigers are not giving up on their pursuit of bullpen help. They are actively exploring other options and are determined to make a move before the trade deadline passes.
The Tigers’ interest in Helsley is a testament to their determination to improve their team and make a push for the playoffs. With the deadline just days away, all eyes are on the Tigers to see if they can make a move that will strengthen their bullpen and give them a fighting chance in the second half of the season.
MLB Rumors: Tigers Considered Ryan Helsley Trade Before Mets Deal
The MLB trade deadline was fast approaching and the Detroit Tigers were quietly exploring options to strengthen their bullpen. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Tigers were in discussions with the St. Louis Cardinals for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, but the Mets ultimately secured a deal for him. This move by the Tigers showed their willingness to make a move for a late-inning weapon, even if it was only temporary.
Ryan Helsley, a hard-throwing right-hander with postseason experience and a dominant 2024 campaign, was highly sought after by many teams. However, his status as a pending free agent made the Tigers hesitant to make a move. The organization has a preference for controllable assets, which led them to prioritize options like Pirates closer David Bednar, who is under team control beyond 2025.
The Cardinals had received offers for Helsley from multiple contenders before finalizing a deal with the Mets. New York, eager to improve their bullpen for a Wild Card push, acquired Helsley to pair with Edwin Diaz, creating one of the most dynamic late-game duos in the National League. The Tigers’ decision not to match the Mets’ offer reflects their long-term strategy, which focuses on maintaining future flexibility rather than a short-term upgrade.
However, the fact that the Tigers were in deep discussions for Helsley shows the front office’s growing urgency. The AL Central division is still up for grabs and the Tigers’ young core is showing signs of improvement. Whether it’s Bednar or another controllable reliever, the Tigers could still make a move before the trade deadline.
For now, the Mets have secured Ryan Helsley, but the Tigers may not be done making moves. With the team still active in the market, another surprise trade could be just one phone call away.
