Sources: Mets finalizing deal for closer Helsley

The New York Mets are finalizing a deal to acquire St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday.

In return, the Cardinals are receiving shortstop Jesus Baez, right-hander Nate Dohm and right-hander Frank Elissalt, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Helsley, a 31-year-old in his contract year, has 21 saves for the Cardinals this season, with a 3.00 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched this season. He has 14 walks.

It was the Mets' second move on Wednesday to address the bullpen. New York acquired Tyler Rogers from the Giants to help a relief corps that has been depleted by overuse and injuries. Since mid-May, New York has lost left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Danny Young and right-handed relievers Max Kranick and Dedniel Núñez for the season because of injuries.

Since June 1, the Mets' bullpen ranks 25th in the majors with a 4.87 ERA and 28th in win probability added.

Helsley had the fourth-best WAR among relievers last season but hasn't been as good this year. His stuff and location are similar, but the main difference is that his fastball is getting hit hard -- with one byproduct being his spiking home run rate.

Helsley, a two-time All-Star, led the majors with 49 saves in 2024, and his 82 saves from 2022 to 2024 ranked sixth among all relievers. He also posted a 1.83 ERA during that span, which trailed only Emmanuel Clase among pitchers with more than 150 innings pitched.

The New York Post was first to report on the players heading to the Cardinals.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel contributed to this report.