The New York Yankees are gearing up for a pivotal offseason following a remarkable run to the World Series in 2024. While their primary focus may currently be on re-signing Juan Soto, the team has significant gaps to fill in their bullpen.
The departure of key relievers and a lack of internal options have left the Yankees in dire need of dependable arms for high-pressure situations. One standout candidate for a trade is Ryan Helsley, the National League Reliever of the Year and MLB saves leader from 2024.
Why Helsley Is a Perfect Fit For Yankees?
Ryan Helsley had an exceptional 2024 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, earning his second All-Star selection and taking home the NL Reliever of the Year award. The 30-year-old closer posted a 2.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts across 66.1 innings while leading the league with 49 saves out of 53 opportunities. Helsley’s consistency over the past three seasons has cemented his reputation as one of the top relievers in baseball. Since 2022, he has maintained a remarkable 1.83 ERA and amassed 82 saves, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. His mix of a blazing fastball and sharp breaking pitches has made him nearly unhittable, and his reliability in the ninth inning could address one of the Yankees’ most pressing needs.
That said, New York’s bullpen is in flux after losing several key contributors this offseason. Veterans Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill, who collectively pitched over 140 regular-season innings and played pivotal roles in the postseason, have all entered free agency. Additionally, Jonathan Loaisiga, who missed most of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, is no longer under contract, leaving the Yankees with limited proven options in the bullpen. Although Luke Weaver emerged as the closer late in the season and performed admirably, the Yankees would benefit from adding a dominant reliever like Helsley to create a formidable one-two punch in the late innings. Helsley is entering the final year of his contract and is projected to earn around $8.1 million in arbitration, making him an affordable option for the Yankees. Given his contract situation, the Cardinals may be willing to part with him for a reasonable return, particularly if they are looking to retool their roster.
Could Jose Leclerc Be The Next Bullpen Addition?
Jose Leclerc, a former Texas Rangers reliever, who played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series title, could be a budget-friendly option with the potential to thrive in New York’s high-pressure environment. During the Rangers’ championship run in 2023, Leclerc posted a stellar 2.68 ERA in the regular season and delivered clutch performances in postseason, pitching in each of the team’s first 12 victories.
At that time, his career ERA stood at a solid 3.03 over nearly 300 innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees currently lack depth in middle relief and setup roles. eclerc’s experience as a closer and his effectiveness in high-leverage situations make him an attractive candidate for the setup role. The Yankees have a history of targeting high-upside players, and Leclerc fits that profile.
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