Phillies and Mets Compete for All-Star Closer Ryan Helsley
The race for top talent in Major League Baseball is heating up as the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets both have their sights set on St. Louis Cardinals closer, Ryan Helsley. The two-time All-Star has caught the attention of these rival teams, sparking a potential bidding war for his services.
Phillies Eyeing Helsley as Key Addition to Bullpen
The Phillies are in desperate need of a reliable closer, and Helsley could be the answer to their prayers. With a strong track record and impressive stats, the 26-year-old right-hander would bring a much-needed boost to the Phillies’ bullpen. The team has been struggling in the late innings, and Helsley’s presence could turn things around for them.
Mets Looking to Strengthen Bullpen with Helsley
Meanwhile, the Mets are also vying for Helsley’s talents. The team has been on the hunt for a dominant closer, and Helsley fits the bill perfectly. With his impressive fastball and devastating slider, he could be the missing piece in the Mets’ bullpen puzzle. The team is determined to make a strong push for the playoffs, and Helsley could be the key to their success.
Bidding War Looms as Both Teams Refuse to Back Down
As the Phillies and Mets both make their case for Helsley, it’s clear that a bidding war is on the horizon. Both teams are determined to come out on top and are willing to do whatever it takes to secure the coveted closer. It’s a
Phillies and Mets Competing for Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley in Potential Bidding War
The Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for relief pitching and are expected to be active at the MLB trade deadline. However, they may face stiff competition from their division rival, the New York Mets, for one of the top arms on the market, Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Helsley has the most trade value and both the Phillies and Mets could get into a bidding war for him if the Cardinals decide to sell.
Helsley, a two-time All-Star with a 3.18 ERA this season, would be a valuable addition to the Phillies’ struggling bullpen. However, with the Mets also vying for his services, the Phillies may have to overpay for the one-year rental.
The Cardinals are trending towards selling and if they do, Helsley would be one of the top names to watch for at the deadline. He has had impressive seasons in 2022 and 2024, recording a 1.25 ERA and a 2.04 ERA, respectively. In 2024, he led all of baseball in saves with 49.
For the Phillies, adding Helsley could make a huge difference in their heated race with the Mets for the NL East division lead. However, overpaying for him could hurt more than it would help.
Despite the potential bidding war, the Phillies should still try to land Helsley as he would be an excellent replacement for struggling pitchers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross. He may come at a high cost, but he would be exactly the player the Phillies need to bolster their bullpen.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
