Nationals Eye Ryan Helsley to Bolster Struggling Bullpen

The Washington Nationals are reportedly considering a pursuit of free agent reliever Ryan Helsley as they seek to overhaul a bullpen that finished with the worst ERA in Major League Baseball this past season.

Helsley, the 2024 Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year, split the season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets. While he posted a 4.50 ERA across 58 appearances with 63 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched, his performance dipped significantly after being traded to the Mets, where he recorded a 7.20 ERA in 22 outings. Spotrac currently estimates his market value at three years and approximately $41 million.

Despite the recent struggles, data suggests Helsley may be poised for a rebound. His expected ERA for the season was 3.86, lower than his actual 4.50, and opposing hitters’ success against his four-seam fastball – while high at .422 batting average – was also inflated compared to expected outcomes. A strong bullpen is often a key component of playoff contention, and addressing this weakness could significantly impact the Nationals’ future success. You can find more information about evaluating reliever performance at FanGraphs.

The Nationals recently appointed Paul Toboni as president of baseball operations and have begun reshaping the front office. Helsley’s potential acquisition would represent a significant step in Toboni’s efforts to improve the team’s on-field performance, building on the team’s ongoing rebuild as detailed in their team history. Team officials have indicated they will evaluate all options to strengthen the relief pitching staff this offseason.