THE METS GET HELSLEY!
The New York Mets acquired pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals for infielder Jesus Baez and pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.
What does it give the New York Mets
The Mets bolster their bullpen in a big way with the addition of Helsley. The Cardinals closer will be one of several elite late-inning relievers in New York, though he will likely pitch as a setup man ahead of Edwin Diaz. Helsley was having a slight down year with a 3.00 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, but he still had 21 saves. Expect him to pitch important innings for the Mets.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are selling, and Helsley was on an expiring contract. They were able to get a decent haul of prospects in return for their closer. Baez is the headliner. A skilled hitter, the 20-year-old was one of New York's better infield prospects. Both Dohm and Elissalt are right-handers who are lower ranked prospects. Still, they will provide St. Louis with some depth and potential as they retool during a middling season.
Fantasy impact
Helsley's value likely takes a hit from this trade, as he will transition to a setup role in the Mets bullpen. That said, he should still be a solid source of holds and strikeouts. As for the new Cardinals prospects, Baez in particular is worth keeping an eye on, but he is likely still a few years away from his first MLB call-up.
