Sophia
NEW YORK – The fireworks were certainly there on Labor Day at Citi Field, as the New York Mets clinched a high-scoring 10-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Ten runs, plenty of big swings, and another win in the books. Yet, as the final out was recorded, an uneasy buzz permeated the stands, a sentiment that felt more apprehensive than triumphant.
The offense, spearheaded by stars like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, has consistently proven its ability to compete with the best. The real concern, however, surfaced when the bullpen door opened and closer Ryan Helsley trotted out. Acquired at the trade deadline for a hefty $8.2 million this season, Helsley was expected to be the steadying force in the ninth inning. Instead, his appearances have become a series of nail-biting tightrope acts, leaving fans and the organization increasingly anxious.
Helsley’s August Struggles Intensify Playoff Pressure
Helsley’s performance in August was nothing short of brutal, registering a 9.31 ERA and blowing more save opportunities than he converted. For a high-priced acquisition, this level of inconsistency has worn thin the patience of the Flushing faithful. With September now underway, the remaining games have effectively become his final audition to prove his worth and secure his role.
The mood around Queens isn’t helped by ESPN’s latest playoff odds, which paint a grim picture. Just a month ago, the Mets were projected to finish with 90 wins. That number has now slipped closer to 87, with their postseason chances dipping below 90% and championship odds barely above 5%. This stark reality mirrors the growing sentiment among fans: while the team can hit, it doesn’t appear built to withstand the rigors of October without a reliable closer.
The sting of Helsley’s struggles is compounded by the fact that other bullpen additions, Gregory Soto and Tyler Rogers, have largely performed as expected. Helsley was the “statement move,” the piece meant to elevate the bullpen to elite status. Instead, he has become the team’s most glaring vulnerability.
Manager Mendoza Seeks Glimmers of Hope
Despite the closer’s recent woes, Manager Carlos Mendoza isn’t ready to throw in the towel. Following another shaky outing against Detroit where Helsley surrendered a run before being pulled, Mendoza surprisingly highlighted signs of progress, noting “more strikes, more aggressiveness.”
“I actually thought he was better,” Mendoza told reporters, explaining that Detroit’s hitters “came out aggressive and got him.” While not exactly a ringing endorsement, Mendoza’s comments suggest the Mets are not yet prepared to close the door on their high-priced closer.
Small Positives Amidst High Stakes
This cautious optimism extends to the front office, which is working to bolster the bullpen with September roster expansions. Luisangel Acuña and Justin Hagenman have been called up to Queens. Acuña provides late-game speed and defensive prowess, while Hagenman adds much-needed length to an often-overworked bullpen. Furthermore, improved health news—Tyrone Taylor’s hamstring is mending, and Francisco Álvarez is back in rehab games—offers additional glimmers of hope.
However, the elephant in the room remains Helsley. If he can regain his form and provide stability, the Mets’ precarious playoff outlook could significantly improve. If not, ESPN’s increasingly pessimistic projections might prove to be generously optimistic.
With 25 games remaining in the regular season, the Mets face a critical juncture to prove their October readiness. For Ryan Helsley, these 25 games represent his last chance to demonstrate he can be more than an expensive mistake. His fastball may still touch triple digits, but in September, it’s his margin for error that has hit zero.
