Ryan Helsley entered 2025 with significant expectations after winning the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award and leading Major League Baseball with 49 saves in 2024. However, his follow-up campaign did not match that standard.
Both his strikeout and walk rates regressed, and his four-seam fastball became less effective as his ERA climbed to 4.50. While he retained the closer role in St. Louis for much of the season, his performance was less dominant than in prior years.
With free agency looming, a trade became inevitable. Helsley was dealt to the Mets on July 30 and transitioned into a setup role for the remainder of the year. He acknowledged last August that pitch tipping contributed to his struggles, but his results did not fully rebound over the final months of 2025, as he finished his New York tenure with a 7.20 ERA.
Despite offseason interest from multiple clubs exploring him as a potential starter, Helsley ultimately signed a two-year, $28 million contract with Baltimore, where he is expected to return to closing duties. The deal includes a player option for 2027.
In his spring debut on Feb. 24, Helsley threw 10 strikes on 12 pitches, and his fastball reached 97.7 mph. The 31-year-old right-hander will likely aim to build on that velocity as camp progresses. With Felix Bautista expected to miss much of 2026 while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff, Helsley enters the season positioned as Baltimore’s primary closer.
What to Expect from Ryan Helsley in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
From a fantasy baseball points league perspective, Helsley’s value hinges on two factors: strikeouts and saves. When at his best, he pairs high-end velocity with swing-and-miss stuff that allows him to dominate late innings. His past performance demonstrates the ability to anchor a bullpen and provide elite save totals, which remain critical in points formats that reward closing opportunities.
The risk lies in consistency and command. The dip in strikeout rate (K%) and increased hittability in 2025 raise legitimate questions about whether he can fully recapture his peak form.
If mechanical or tipping issues persist, his margin for error narrows considerably. Additionally, while his role appears secure entering the season, any early struggles could invite scrutiny given Baltimore’s competitive aspirations.
Entering 2026, Helsley projects as a rebound candidate with the opportunity to return to 30-plus save territory if he maintains health and sharpens his command. A restored strikeout profile would elevate him back toward elite status, though there remains some volatility relative to the top tier of closers.
As far as relief pitcher hierarchy for fantasy baseball points leagues, I rank him at Tier 3 behind Edwin Díaz, Mason Miller, and Jhoan Duran, among others, and higher than Raisel Iglesias, Pete Fairbanks, and Carlos Estévez.
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