Ryan Helsley is coming off what can only be described as a rocky season. He put up solid numbers in the bullpen for the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of the season, but it would go downhill after he was traded to the New York Mets.
With the Mets, he struggled to maintain his consistency on the bump. He appeared in 22 games, holding down a 7.20 ERA across 20 innings of work.
He was part of a Mets bullpen that nearly lost itself toward the end of the year. Now, Helsley will be a free agent, and the Mets will look to make multiple upgrades to help reconstruct a struggling stable of arms.
Athletics could be in play for Ryan Helsley after ex-MLB GM's contract prediction
Ryan Helsley did not do himself any favors as he struggled down the stretch. This hurt his chances of signing a big contract this winter, but that could play into the Athletics' favor.
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden recently came out with his list of contract predictions and potential fits for the top 50 free agents this offseason. Here, he gave Helsley a one-year, $10 million contract prediction and listed the A's as a potential fit.
Helsley would be a great addition to the A's bullpen and could help lessen the sting of losing Mason Miller ahead of the trade deadline. However, this is not the only team in the running. Bowden also lists the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays as other potential suitors.
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