As the MLB trade deadline approached in 2025, the New York Mets took decisive action to bolster an area that had shown glaring weaknesses: their bullpen. With veteran executive David Stearns at the helm of baseball operations, the Mets orchestrated two major trades that brought in two of the National League’s most formidable relievers — submariner Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants and flamethrowing closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Building a Dominant Bullpen
Before these bold acquisitions, the Mets’ relief corps was a known vulnerability. Yet, with Rogers and Helsley joining forces alongside recent addition Gregory Soto, the team instantly transformed its late-inning pitching arsenal. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised the improved depth and diversity: “We got better as a team. When we’re facing some of the best bullpens in the league, they’ve got a lot of different looks — and now we do, too.”
Rogers and Helsley bring distinctly different but highly complementary styles. Rogers, 34, is a workhorse with an understated but highly effective submarine delivery. His sinker, averaging just 83.3 mph but with exceptional movement, has baffled hitters all season. Meanwhile, Helsley is the embodiment of power on the mound, consistently throwing fastballs that reach an average of 99.3 mph and slicing through batters with a sharpened slider.
Tyler Rogers: The Unconventional Submariner
Rogers’ approach confounds hitters precisely because it’s so rare. His submarine release point is just 1.4 feet off the ground, producing a sinker that drops 53 inches — far beyond the average. This pitch repertoire generates a remarkable 64.4% ground-ball rate, placing him in the elite echelons of MLB pitchers. Despite a relatively modest velocity, his durability and control shine, having led the league with 53 appearances and posting an impressive 1.80 ERA across 50 innings.
Baseball luminary Francisco Lindor applauded Rogers’ uniqueness, noting how difficult it is to track his pitches. That rarity is a coveted weapon for the Mets, helping diversify an already formidable bullpen that now features multiple pitching styles.
Ryan Helsley: High-Velocity Dominance
Meanwhile, Helsley’s pedigree as an elite closer is well established. The 31-year-old power righty was the National League’s reliever of the year just last season, having closed out 49 games with aplomb. This year, he continued to dominate with a 3.00 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and 21 saves in 36 innings. His blazing fastball and sweeping slider yield one of the highest strikeout rates among relievers, a deadly combination at the back end of games.
Helsley’s acquisition, although demanding several promising minor-league prospects — including infielder Jesus Baez and pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt — gives the Mets an elite closer to complement Edwin Diaz, who has been stellar himself with 23 saves and a 1.48 ERA.
Sacrifices Made, Strengths Gained
The price for these upgrades was steep. To secure Rogers, the Mets parted ways with right-handed reliever Jose Butto and two high-level prospects, Blade Tidwell and Drew Gilbert. Butto, a solid contributor under team control for several more seasons, was a tough loss. For Helsley, the Mets handed over three minor-league players still years away from major-league readiness.
While the departures were felt, the immediate need to strengthen the bullpen for the stretch run took precedence. The Mets’ pitching staff had already logged heavy innings, particularly in relief roles, ranking seventh in bullpen workload across the majors. The addition of Rogers and Helsley promises crucial relief and durability as the team eyes a deep postseason run.
Looking Forward
With Rogers’ steady, unpredictable submarine style and Helsley’s blistering fastballs now anchoring the bullpen, the Mets have potentially assembled one of the most lethal relief units in baseball. Francisco Alvarez, a Mets player who recently faced Rogers, summed it up: “Thank God he’s now on our side and we don’t have to face him anymore.”
This infusion of pitching power provides the Mets with diverse weapons to shut down opposing hitters and navigate the final stretch of the season. As 2025’s playoff race intensifies, the Mets’ bold moves at the trade deadline could prove pivotal in their quest for championship glory.
