Mets acquire closer Ryan Helsley but lose 7-6 to the Padres on July 31. Read how the blockbuster trade unfolded as the bullpen faltered in a stunning loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of jarring contrasts for Mets fans. The thrill of landing one of baseball's elite closers in a blockbuster trade deadline deal, followed by the familiar sting of watching the current bullpen crumble in a 7-6 loss to the San Diego Padres. As the 6 p.m. trade deadline loomed, GM David Stearns sent a clear message: help is here. It just couldn't arrive fast enough to save Thursday's game.
With a bullpen ranking 25th in MLB with a 4.87 ERA since June 1, the Mets' front office knew a major move wasn't just an option—it was a necessity.
The biggest news of the day dropped like a hammer: the Mets have finalized a trade for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. The two-time All-Star, who led the majors with 49 saves just last season, brings immediate stability and elite stuff to the back end of the bullpen. Helsley boasts 21 saves and a 3.00 ERA this year, and his arrival signals a clear all-in push from the front office. The cost was steep, as the Mets sent No. 5 prospect shortstop Jesus Baez along with right-handers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt to St. Louis. But for a team with championship aspirations, it's the kind of move that had to be made.
The need for a player like Helsley was painfully illustrated in the series finale against the Padres. Despite a late rally and a home run from Juan Soto, the Mets' bullpen couldn't protect the lead, ultimately falling 7-6. The loss was the team's second straight, dropping their record to 62-46 and, more alarmingly, shrinking their NL East lead over the Phillies to a razor-thin half-game. Pete Alonso continued his stellar season, but the team's inability to close out tight games has become its Achilles' heel, making the day's trade feel less like a luxury and more like an emergency procedure.
The Mets' aggressive pursuit of bullpen help wasn't a surprise. The relief corps has been decimated by season-ending injuries to key arms like A.J. Minter, Danny Young, Max Kranick, and Dedniel Núñez. The remaining pitchers have been overworked and underperforming, leading to the league's 25th-ranked bullpen ERA since the start of June. The acquisition of Helsley, combined with the recent trade for Giants reliever Tyler Rogers, represents a complete overhaul aimed at stabilizing the team for the stretch run. Stearns identified the weakness and has now attacked it with two significant moves.
While the big club dealt with the highs and lows of the deadline, there was a flash of excitement down on the farm. Mets No. 24 prospect Trey Snyder provided a highlight-reel moment for Single-A St. Lucie, audaciously stealing home. It's a small but welcome reminder of the athletic talent brewing in the system, even as some top prospects are used as currency to help the major league team win now.
With the trade for Helsley in the books, the Mets have made their statement. Now, the focus shifts to integrating the new arms and, most importantly, winning baseball games. The NL East race is tighter than ever, and every pitch from here on out matters. The bullpen has been rebuilt on the fly. The question now is whether it was in time to save their division lead and fuel a deep October run. All eyes are on the field tomorrow.
