TheNew York Metshave landed perhaps the most coveted relief pitcher on the market as the MLB trade deadline draws near. TheSt. Louis Cardinalshave traded right-hander Ryan Helsley to the Mets in exchange for prospects Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt,the Mets announced. Helsley first took over closing duties in St. Louis in 2022 and has enjoyed a highly successful run in the role, racking up a major league-leading 49 saves last season while pitching to an ERA of 2.04. He has endured some rocky outings this season, however, as the Cardinals have faded from the playoff picture. He has 21 saves and a 3.00 ERA on the season, but has been much better over the past six weeks. Since June 15, Helsley has allowed only one run in his last 11 innings. The Cardinals trade RP Ryan Helsley to the Mets for Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt. Baez, an infielder, is the Mets'eighth-ranked prospect. Dohm and Elissalt are both right-handed pitchers, the former the Mets' 14th-ranked prospect. This season, Helsley has converted 21 of 26 save opportunities with a 3.00 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 36 innings. He also has struck out 10.3 batters per nine innings. Helsley, 31, is in his final year of arbitration with the Cardinals, making him a free agent for the first time in his career at the end of the season. He is currently making $8.2 million this season. With Helsley moving on, the Cardinals could turn to veteran right-hander Phil Maton or left-hander JoJo Romero to close out games. The arrival of Helsley will give Mets manager Carlos Mendoza a plethora of different high-leverage options late in games without taxing his bullpen down the stretch. The Mets have a pair of capable closers (Helsley and Edwin Diaz), along with experienced late-inning savants in Tyler Rogers (acquired from the Giants earlier Wednesday), Gregory Soto and Ryne Stanek.—Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ryan Helsley trade details: Closer traded from Cardinals to Mets
