The Detroit Tigers are looking to add to their bullpen and their starting rotation this offseason. Tarik Skubal isn't enough to get the Tigers deep into the playoffs, as they need more pitching help this winter.
There are plenty of interesting options for Detroit on the market, so when Ken Rosenthal, Katie Woo, and Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic report the Tigers are interested in Ryan Helsley, it's not much of a surprise.
However, the former New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals closer isn't linked to the Tigers in his normal closer role. Detroit is interested in Helsley to be a part of the starting rotation.
Tigers considering bold Ryan Helsley free agent decision
"Ryan Helsley, starting pitcher?" Rosenthal writes. "The Detroit Tigers are among the clubs talking to the free agent right-hander about becoming a starter, according to people familiar with his market."
This would be a huge risk for the Tigers, or any team, to take. It's worked recently with Seth Lugo, Michael King, and Clay Holmes. But, there's still some major risk with such a potential change.
Helsley is 31 years old and has been in the Major Leagues since 2019 strictly as a reliever. In his 297 games in the Majors, he's not once been the starter, even if only as an opener.
Targeting the former Cardinals and Mets reliever makes sense for Detroit with their bullpen need, but their intention to move him to the rotation is a surprising move they're considering making.
More: How Tigers' GM Scott Harris might've revealed his concerning Tarik Skubal plan
Helsley had a brutal second half with the Mets after being traded from the Cardinals, as in 22 games, he had a 7.20 ERA. With the Cardinals in 36 games, he had a 3.00 ERA.
The veteran reliever is entering his eighth season in the Major Leagues in 2026, and for the first time, he might be stepping onto the mound as a starter rather than a reliever.
He was originally selected as a starter in the MLB Draft by the Cardinals in 2015, and in the 87 games in the minor leagues since, he started all but 18 of them.
Helsley has experience starting in the minor leagues, but not once has he started in the Majors. It's a risky move for the Tigers if they do pull it off, but it's one that, if it works, they could land a very strong pitcher for their rotation at a likely major discount.
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