Can the Mets rely on this trade deadline acquisition?

Has Ryan Helsley found his dominant form again?

Sep 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (56) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Has this disappointing trade acquisition for the New York Mets begun to turn a corner?

During the Mets' 10-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, there was a bright spot for them out of the bullpen. Reliever Ryan Helsley tossed two scoreless innings for New York during the seventh and eighth innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters on 24 pitches (17 strikes).

The hard-throwing righty has now tossed six scoreless innings over his last five appearances, dating back to his outing against the Texas Rangers on September 12. During that span, he's struck out five batters and allowed just four total baserunners (two hits and two walks). This certainly begs the question: has Helsley finally rediscovered his dominant form?

Ryan Helsley over his last 5 appearances:

6.0 IP | 0.00 ERA | 5 SO | 2 H | 2 BB

If the Mets get into the postseason, he is making a real push to show that he can be trusted again. pic.twitter.com/gS9JMtVFvD

— Mets Batflip (@metsbatflip1) September 25, 2025

When the Mets acquired Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals during the waning hours before the trade deadline, this move finally seemed to fortify their bullpen as one of the best in baseball. The reigning NL Reliever of the Year, however, has been nothing short of a disappointment since arriving in Flushing.

Read More: The Mets' pitching plans on Wednesday night was a head scratcher

After posting a 3-1 record in 36 appearances for St. Louis, posting a 3.00 ERA and converting 21 of 26 save opportunities, Helsley has massively struggled in his new role as a setup man for Edwin Díaz. In 21 outings for the Amazins' thus far, the 31-year-old is 0-3 with a dismal 7.58 ERA in just 19 innings pitched and has already blown four save chances. His overall ERA on the season now stands at 4.58 in 55 innings of work.

Helsley and Mets officials pinpointed his struggles as a result of him tipping his pitches, which was an issue the righty hurler tried to resolve. Manager Carlos Mendoza has also sent out Helsley to pitch in low-leverage situations over his last couple of appearances, and this role may be helping him rebuild his confidence.

Ryan Helsley (2IP 1H 0R 0BB 2K) with a pair of scoreless innings in the @Mets victory over the Cubs. His slider was our RP Pitch of the Day pic.twitter.com/faRakwB7Se

— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) September 25, 2025

With the Mets just barely holding onto the third and final Wild Card spot in the NL over the last several weeks, it is highly encouraging to see Helsley show signs of his full capabilities. However, with just four games left in the regular season and fellow reliever Reed Garrett out for the year, New York may have to start turning to Helsley in more high-leverage situations if they aim to play October baseball.