Cubs Reportedly Interested in 2-Time All-Star Pitcher Amid Free Agency

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Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer

s MLB organizations start to decide what their strategy will be during these offseason months, the rumor mill is swirling.

As recent report by The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney indicates that the Chicago Cubs are among various teams that are interested in two-time All-Star Ryan Helsley. Helsley was once a long-time St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, but after being traded to the New York Mets back in July, he is now a free agent. It’s no surprise that Helsey is garnering so much interest, as he’s one of the top relievers on the market.

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Should the Cubs Pursue Ryan Helsley?

The Chicago Cubs’ front office is already showing some semblance of early aggression this offseason. Earlier this week, the Cubs officially reached a deal with reliever Phil Maton to join a thin bullpen.

The Detroit Tigers were also reportedly interestd in Ryan Helsley, but they want to transition him into purely a starter. Helsley himself indicated that he is more comfortable in a bullpen role, as that’s where he’s resided his entire career.

Even in today’s MLB where openers are frequently used, Helsley has 0 career starts.

Joe Sargent/Getty ImagesRyan Helsley’s struggles in a Mets uniform continued Tuesday.

2025 was a very up-and-down season for Ryan Helsley. He started off the year a bit shaky with the Cardinals, but really found himself into the summer months. He finished his Cardinals tenure with a 3.00 ERA in 36 innings.

However, his time with the Mets was not so smooth. Helsley gave up 16 earned runs in 22 appearances with New York.

According to BaseballReference.com’s 2026 projection, Helsley will post a 3.75 ERA in 60 innings. He will also likely receive a multi-year contract in free agency, which could be worth up to $20-25 million.

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Ryan Helsley Comes with a Handful of Accolades

For a Cubs bullpen that features Daniel Palencia, Ben Brown, now Phil Maton, and just a few other arms, Ryan Helsley comes with a handful of accolades.

He is a two-time All-Star who led MLB in saves with 49 in 2024. 2022 may have been his best season as a pro, when he posted a 1.25 ERA in 64.2 innings and struck out 94 batters.

The only issue with him signing with the Cubs is that they seemed to have found their closer this season in Daniel Palencia, and if Helsley’s time with the Mets is any indication of his comfort level being in a set-up or long relief role, that may be a bit concerning.

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