The Chicago Cubs are preparing for a future Wild Card series in October. The Milwaukee Brewers just won the NL Central, and Chicago still holds a firm grasp on the top NL WC spot, which would set them up for a home playoff series at Wrigley Field.
Following the season, the Cubs' front office will have key decisions to make, and that includes signing players through free agency that can help out the 2026 team.
One issue the Cubs have faced this season, when Daniel Palencia has been off the field, is the closing situation and the lack of high-leverage arms.
Would Chicago consider signing Ryan Helsley?
The New York Mets traded for closer Ryan Helsley right before the trade deadline, and for the most part, it has not worked out.
Helsley is a free agent to be following this season, and considering he's underperformed with the Mets, New York is unlikely to sign him.
In 17 innings with the Mets, Helsley has an 8.47 ERA. He recorded a 3.00 ERA with the Cardinals in 36 innings.
Over the course of his career, Helsley has proven to be a great option to close out games. He's a two-time all-star and led all of MLB in saves (49) last season.
The good news for Chicago is that Helsley's price tag has likely dropped after the struggles in New York, and this gives the Cubs a great opportunity to buy low on a guy who's shown to be a dominant reliever. He's also familiar with the NL Central, spending his first seven years in St. Louis.
It's unclear what a potential contract would look like, but Ryan Helsley is likely looking for a multi-year deal that would lock him down somewhere for the next few years.
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