Marlins Eye Ryan Helsley to Strengthen Bullpen This Offseason
The Miami Marlins are poised for an intriguing offseason, with ownership signaling a willingness to invest in the team’s future. As the front office prepares to make moves, fans can expect the addition of established players to complement the promising young talent already in place. Topping the wish list are first basemen and high-leverage relievers, and with a number of standout names entering free agency, the Marlins will have ample opportunities to bolster their roster.
Targeting a High-Profile Reliever
One player that stands out as a potential game-changer for the Marlins is Ryan Helsley. The former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, who was recently traded to the New York Mets, had a tumultuous season but still possesses the talent that could transform Miami’s bullpen. Helsley, a 2024 Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year winner, faced significant struggles with the Mets, posting a 7.20 ERA over 22 appearances. His performance was notably below par, with an ERA+ of just 57, indicating he was 43 points shy of league average.
Despite this challenging stretch, the Marlins should not be deterred from pursuing Helsley. His disappointing stint in New York is merely a small blip on an otherwise impressive career. Helsley boasts a lifetime ERA of 2.96 across 297 big league appearances, with a strong track record of success that includes 105 saves out of 132 opportunities and a K/9 ratio of 10.6.
Leveraging Market Value
As the Marlins consider their options, they may find Helsley’s market value to be more appealing than it might otherwise be. Spotrac estimates his worth at around $41 million over three years. This figure is likely influenced by his recent struggles, providing Miami with a unique buying opportunity. While it remains a significant investment, it could be viewed as a bargain in light of Helsley’s potential to bounce back.
Advanced metrics suggest that Helsley could indeed rebound in the coming season. His expected ERA stands at 3.86 based on 58 outings and 56 innings pitched, which is notably lower than his actual ERA of 4.50. This discrepancy indicates he may have been the victim of misfortune rather than a decline in skill.
A Bright Future for the Marlins
With a wealth of young pitching talent already on the roster and more prospects on the way, targeting bullpen help is a strategic move for the Marlins. Enhancing their relief corps is crucial for Miami’s aspirations to compete in the coming seasons. Helsley, if acquired, would bring elite-level talent and experience to a bullpen in need of reinforcement.
As the offseason unfolds, the Marlins have the opportunity to make impactful decisions that could set the tone for their next chapter. Investing in someone like Ryan Helsley could prove to be a pivotal step in strengthening their roster and positioning themselves for success in the highly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
